The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops

We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Key Moments in the Latter Period

Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.

Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.

Celtic's Response

Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.