The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.

Key Moments in the After the Break

A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.

• Detailed coverage to follow.