Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the Second Half

Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

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

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.

• Full report to follow.