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A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

Celtic's Response

Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.

• Detailed coverage to follow.