🔗 Share this article The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down. Decisive Period in the Second Half A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting. Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition. Hoops' Reaction Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1. Hearts' Defensive Resilience The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz. Full report coming soon.