🔗 Share this article Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others. Turning Point in the Second Half Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting. Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition. Celtic's Response Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for level terms. Stubborn Defence The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement. Full report coming soon.