Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops

We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the Second Half

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

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

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.

• Full report to follow.