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We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Turning Point in the Second Half

A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.

Celtic's Response

The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.

• Full report to follow.