Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic

A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

Celtic's Response

The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.

Stubborn Defence

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.

• Detailed coverage coming soon.