The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants

We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the Latter Period

Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.

Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.

Celtic's Response

Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.

Stubborn Defence

The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. 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 excitement.

• Detailed coverage coming soon.