Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic

History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.

Key Moments in the Latter Period

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.

Stubborn Defence

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.

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