The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops

We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.

Key Moments in the Second Half

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

Hoops' Reaction

The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.

Solid Backline

The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.

• Complete analysis coming soon.