Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants

History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the After the Break

Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a 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. One cannot overlook the buzz.

• Complete analysis coming soon.