The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops

History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the Latter Period

Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.

Stubborn Defence

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.

• Complete analysis coming soon.