Hearts surge eight points clear with statement win over Celtic | OneFootball

Hearts stretched their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to eight points with a commanding 3-1 victory over Celtic at Tynecastle Park.

An early Dane Murray own goal set the tone before Callum McGregor briefly pulled the visitors level. But second-half strikes from Alexandros Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland sealed another superb win for Derek McInnes’ side.

The hosts started brightly, with Shankland and Halkett both going close before Murray turned the ball into his own net under pressure after eight minutes.

The Hoops responded quickly through McGregor’s calm finish from a Kieran Tierney cut-back, and Alexander Schwolow had to deny Benjamin Nygren just before half-time as the champions grew into the game.

But Hearts regained control after the restart. Kyziridis cut inside and rifled home from the edge of the box to restore the lead, and minutes later Shankland converted from the spot after Cláudio Braga was brought down by the unfortunate Murray.

The Jambos saw out the game with composure, Schwolow producing one last fine save to protect the scoreline. When the whistle went, Tynecastle erupted - Hearts’ dream start rolls on, and the talk of a genuine title tilt no longer feels far-fetched.