Hearts stunned Celtic to move eight points clear at the top of the Premiership and show they could be title contenders.
The Jambos were unbeaten ahead of the much-anticipated clash while the Hoops were looking to avoid back-to-back league defeats.
Dane Murray, replacing the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers, gave the home side the lead with a nightmare own goal, but Callum McGregor equalized in a frenzied first half.
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Hearts took an early lead thanks to Celtic’s Dane Murray putting the ball into his own net.
Derek McInnes’ side dominated and Alex Kyziridis restored the lead as deafening chants of “We will not move” echoed around Tynecastle Park.
Things got worse for Murray on the afternoon when he brought Claudio Braga down in the box. Captain Lawrence Shankland disrupted play by shooting from the penalty spot.
Celtic were unable to manage the response and many are now wondering whether the Old Firm’s 40-year title reign is actually under threat.
The mind asks questions. Celtic can’t answer
McInnes called for Hearts’ support to make Tynecastle “as hostile and noisy as possible” and he would have been pleased with the way his side started in a high-pitched atmosphere.
The hosts took an early advantage after eight minutes as Celtic looked rattled in the opening exchanges.
Stephen Kingsley’s cross from the left was returned to Claudio Braga by Shankland, who’s header was headed into the net by Kasper Schmeichel.
The ball broke to Shankland on the right-hand side of the six-yard box and the Hearts captain drove the ball across goal and slotted Murray’s attempted clearance into his own net from just a yard out.
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Celtic captain Callum McGregor equalizes against Hearts after the home side took an early lead.
But the home side were unable to turn things around and Celtic scored a good goal four minutes later. Kieran Tierney overlapped Sebastian Tounekti inside the box and his low delivery was deflected into the bottom corner by McGregor from just outside the six-yard box.
They were fortunate to avoid falling behind again just after the half hour mark when Murray’s clearance deflected off team-mate Donovan and went just wide of Schmeichel’s left post, but after stemming the early tide the champions began to enjoy a period of control.
Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow had to make a great save in the 38th minute, denying Benjamin Nygren from close range.
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Alexandros Kyziridis gave Hearts the lead again in their Scottish Premiership clash with Celtic.
However, in the 52nd minute of the first half, when Kiziridis cut in from the left, missed Nygren, and fired a low right-footed shot from the edge of the box, Schmeichel was furious as he was unable to press the ball due to lack of pressure.
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Lawrence Shankland gave the home side a 3-1 win over Celtic as Hearts attempted to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Just two minutes later, Hearts had the chance to increase their lead when they were awarded a penalty after Braga attempted a Shankland pass and was bundled out in the box by Murray.
Shankland kept his composure as a lively Hearts wrapped up the win in impressive fashion.
McInnes refuses to get excited.
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Hearts manager Derek McInnes gives his reaction to his side’s impressive 3-1 win over Celtic as Hearts widened the gap at the top of the table.
heart head coach Derek MacInnes On Sky Sports:
“We are satisfied with three points in our pocket, but in terms of belief and confidence I don’t think it hurts us.
“I don’t think this is a statement victory. Other people on the outside might look in. Opinions might change. The opinion that there is a tightrope walk might be proven.
“I wholeheartedly think that, and I would stick to it. I think it makes a lot more sense to have some real assumptions about where the team will be once you get around to a few fixtures.
“But let’s not joke, we are really happy with what they gave us.
“I thought it was a strong performance that we needed. I thought it was a polished performance, and I thought we needed some polish to it.
“Technically, we’re looking at a good place, and we’re certainly looking at a good place physically. I hope that continues in the future.”
Of course, it is not a position this club is familiar with.
Rodgers asks for ‘perspective’.
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Brendan Rodgers says there is still a long way to go in the season as Celtic remain eight points behind league leaders Hearts after their 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle.
Celtic manager Brendan Rogers On Sky Sports:
“I think we know the challenge, but the view is that after today we have 29 games to play.
“The important day is the last game in May.
“We haven’t had the start we wanted, but we have to trust these players and continue to work together to maximize what we can get from them.”
