🔗 Share this article

Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early championship claims and deepen the struggles 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 recover from.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal in the early stages to put Hearts 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 Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to hand the visitors to back-to-back losses for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the summit.

The last time they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under George Burley, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to play down title talk, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on the weekend's performance, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for the striker to fire off target.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to set up the captain, who rolled in.

Apart from the Nygren chance, the visitors struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're seeing that from multiple individuals 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 crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight points behind is not ideal. The positive is there's so many games to play.

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

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

---