Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.

Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.

Hoops' Reaction

The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.

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