Hearts Move 8 Points in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.

• Detailed coverage to follow.