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History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.

Turning Point in the After the Break

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 stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

Celtic's Response

Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.

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