Rampant Hearts Overpower Disappointing Celtic to Extend 8 Pts Ahead

The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season title credentials and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

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 - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

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

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the summit.

The last time they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

McInnes, 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 Sunday's evidence, this Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for Shankland to stab wide.

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

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up the captain, who rolled in.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, the defender fouled the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

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

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here before. 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 crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds 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 ball went back as a defensive unit so when they play it, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

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

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.