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

History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the Latter Period

A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.

The Visitors' Fightback

The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.

• Detailed coverage to follow.