"We did not witness the making of history at Tynecastle. It remains far too early for that kind of thing. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with a serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-points lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can."
"Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was closely contested. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts' second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Claudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away."
"Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts' rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain, Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1. The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tomas Magnusson."
Hearts beat Celtic at Tynecastle to move eight points clear, presenting a genuine opportunity to end Scottish football's four-decade title duopoly. Three decisive second-half minutes produced momentum, with Alexandros Kyziridis cutting in and scoring, Dane Murray conceding a penalty after upending Claudio Braga, and Lawrence Shankland converting the spot-kick. Murray earlier scored an own goal under pressure, while Callum McGregor equalised from a Kieran Tierney cutback. Goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow made key saves from Benjamin Nygren and Arne Engels. Celtic struggled thereafter and manager Brendan Rodgers appeared disconsolate as Hearts controlled the closing stages amid jubilant home support.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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