Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants

We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.

Celtic's Response

The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an 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 shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.

• Complete analysis to follow.