The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Turning Point in the Second Half

Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. 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 thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.

Solid Backline

The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.

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