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History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.

Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.

Celtic's Response

Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.

Solid Backline

The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.

• Complete analysis coming soon.