History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for level terms.
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez