Powerful Heart of Midlothian Outclass Meek Celtic to Go Eight Points Ahead

The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season title credentials and worsen 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.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net early on to put the home side ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the spot-kick.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to consign Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since 2023.

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

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season 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 last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

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

Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

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

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork 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.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards their key strikers.

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray fouled the midfielder in the inside right channel and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

The visitors' performance after the break was partially encapsulated 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 Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then booked for a cynical foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here before. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. 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 didn't move when the ball went back as a line so when they play it, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Obviously, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.