The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops

History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

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

Celtic's Response

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.

• Detailed coverage to follow.