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We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.

The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.

• Detailed coverage to follow.