🔗 Share this article

Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early championship claims and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and a spot-kick from Shankland 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 XI - scored an own goal in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing their home ground, 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 the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign the visitors to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since 2023.

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

The last time they were so far clear 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 runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

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

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

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

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their initial test.

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for the captain, who rolled in.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts rediscovered their energy 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 Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray fouled Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

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 stark contrast to his European display in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, 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 multiple individuals who have been here before. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they play it, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to improve 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 ideal. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

What's Next for These Teams?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

---