We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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