🔗 Share this article The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can. Turning Point in the Latter Period A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him. Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition. The Visitors' Fightback Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms. Hearts' Defensive Resilience The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement. Complete analysis coming soon.