The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Key Moments in the After the Break

A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.

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

Celtic's Response

The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.

• Full report to follow.