A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
