🔗 Share this article

The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team 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 youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow 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 commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The last time they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, 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 last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

Rodgers 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 Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause 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 the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, the defender tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and Shankland 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 partially encapsulated in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here previously. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is normally an indication of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up 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 improve with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's only nine games in. Clearly, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The comfort 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 more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at St Mirren.

---