🔗 Share this article

The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early title credentials and worsen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put the home side ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the top of the table.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on the weekend's performance, this Edinburgh outfit showed they need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: Hearts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

Hearts started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for Shankland to stab wide.

Celtic didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up the captain, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, the visitors struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped Braga in the right side of the box and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here before. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a line so when they play it, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to do better with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's only nine games in. Obviously, being eight adrift is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to find more consistency and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

---