🔗 Share this article The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down. Decisive Period in the After the Break Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him. The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic. Celtic's Response Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser. Stubborn Defence The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise. Detailed coverage to follow.