Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops

We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.

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

Celtic's Response

Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.

• Complete analysis to follow.