We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
A seasoned outdoor journalist and gear tester with over a decade of experience exploring rugged terrains across the UK and Europe.
Cynthia Harding
Cynthia Harding
Cynthia Harding
Cynthia Harding
Cynthia Harding