Hearts moved eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a hugely impressive 3-1 win over second-placed Celtic this afternoon.
The undefeated hosts have now won eight of their nine league matches this season and the way today’s performance – along with the discord at Celtic and Rangers – adds weight to the prospect of the Edinburgh club clinching their first Scottish title since 1960.
Celtic didn’t help themselves and a Dane Murray own goal gave Hearts the lead after eight minutes. Kasper Schmeichel did well to save Claudio Braga’s header, but when the ball was headed back on goal by Lawrence Shankland, Murray could only tap it into his own net.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were rocked but equalized four minutes later, captain Callum McGregor firing into the far corner after good work from Kieran Tierney.
Colby Donovan almost scored his own goal after being touched by another Murray clearance before Celtic went close after 37 minutes, with Benjamin Nygren seeing a tricky effort saved by home keeper Alexander Schwolow.
Alexandros Kyziridis showed Nygren how to finish seven minutes into the second half, breaking into the box before finishing crisply past Schmeichel.
The score was 3-1 three minutes later, as Murray’s miserable afternoon took another turn for the worse when he was judged to have tripped Braga inside the box. Shankland made no mistake from the spot and Tynecastle bounced back.
Schmeichel denied Ageu a fourth save with a good save before Celtic had two chances to reduce the arrears, substitute Luke McCowan firing a low shot wide and Shin Yamada seeing an effort blocked by Craig Halkett.
