The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.

Key Moments in the Latter Period

A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that the captain converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

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

Hoops' Reaction

The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Stubborn Defence

The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.

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