🔗 Share this article

Rampant Hearts surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put the home side ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign Celtic to back-to-back losses for the first time since last year.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to play down title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

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

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Weakened Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for the striker to stab wide.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up the captain, who rolled in.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray fouled the midfielder in the right side of the box and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not sufficient on its own 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 previously. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment 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 normally an indication of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Obviously, being eight points behind is not ideal. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

What's Next for These Teams?

Celtic are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

---