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

History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, 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 disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Turning Point in the After the Break

A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.

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

Celtic's Response

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.

Stubborn Defence

The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.

• Detailed coverage to follow.