The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the Latter Period

A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.

• Full report to follow.