The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops

We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.

Celtic's Response

Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.

• Complete analysis to follow.