The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the Second Half

Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.

• Detailed coverage to follow.