The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants

History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the Latter Period

A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

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

The Visitors' Fightback

The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.

• Full report coming soon.