The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the Latter Period

A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.

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

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.

Stubborn Defence

The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.

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