We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
Elara is a seasoned writer and digital storyteller with a passion for exploring diverse literary genres and empowering others through words.
