The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic

We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.

Turning Point in the Latter Period

Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.

Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

Celtic's Response

Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for level terms.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.

• Detailed coverage to follow.