The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.

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

Celtic's Response

The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.

• Full report to follow.