History wasn't made at their home ground, 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 ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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