The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic

A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Key Moments in the After the Break

Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. 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 the opposition.

The Visitors' Fightback

The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.

• Complete analysis to follow.