Hearts Move 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the Latter Period

Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.

Celtic's Response

The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.