🔗 Share this article

The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not recover from.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net early on to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to consign Celtic to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since last year.

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 the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, 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 past 27 years.

McInnes, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

Rodgers has seen it all before at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball 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 touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender tripped Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up 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 Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not always enough 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. 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 maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Clearly, being eight adrift is not ideal. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn 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 Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

---