The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops

We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Turning Point in the Second Half

Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.

The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.

Celtic's Response

The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.

• Detailed coverage coming soon.