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A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Key Moments in the Second Half

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.

Celtic's Response

Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.

Stubborn Defence

The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.

• Detailed coverage to follow.