Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the After the Break

Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.

Stubborn Defence

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.