🔗 Share this article

We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

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

Celtic's Response

The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.

Stubborn Defence

The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.

• Complete analysis to follow.