Hearts Push Eight Points in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Key Moments in the Latter Period

Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half 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 hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.