The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the Latter Period

A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

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

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.

Solid Backline

The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.

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