The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants

History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the Latter Period

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

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

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.

Stubborn Defence

The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.

• Full report to follow.