A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter in the Czech Republic and beyond.
