Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops

We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.

Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.

• Detailed coverage coming soon.