🔗 Share this article

Rampant Hearts surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early title credentials and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike 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 starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put Hearts 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 Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

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

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead at the summit.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - 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 former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at Celtic - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on the weekend's performance, this Hearts team showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for Shankland to fire off target.

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

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, 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, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray fouled Braga in the right side of the box and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his European display in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

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

"What we have got, is skillful players. 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're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, loads to do. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a line so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's so many games to play.

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

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

---