History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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