🔗 Share this article

Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season title credentials and worsen 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 - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to hand the visitors to successive league defeats for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead at the top of the table.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts 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.

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for the striker to stab wide.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to set up the captain, who rolled in.

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

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, Murray fouled Braga in the inside right channel and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here previously. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going 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 typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back 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.

"Plenty of matches 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 numerous fixtures to play.

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

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

---