The Jambos Move 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

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

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for the equaliser.

Stubborn Defence

The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.

• Full report to follow.