We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored 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, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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