The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear Clear at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops

A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

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

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.

• Detailed coverage coming soon.