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A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the After the Break

A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.

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

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Stubborn Defence

The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.

• Full report coming soon.