🔗 Share this article Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others. Decisive Period in the Latter Period A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him. Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition. Celtic's Response Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms. Solid Backline The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz. Complete analysis will be available.