History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for level terms.
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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