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History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the Latter Period

A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.

• Detailed coverage coming soon.