Hearts Move Eight Points Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops

History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.

Stubborn Defence

The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.

• Detailed coverage will be available.