🔗 Share this article

Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early championship claims and deepen the struggles 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 title holders could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor 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 the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to hand the visitors to back-to-back losses for the first time since last year.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead 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 - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose former team were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on the weekend's performance, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for the striker to stab wide.

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 touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up the captain, who rolled in.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers their key strikers.

The home team regained their intensity and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray fouled the midfielder in the right side of the box and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked for a cynical foul.

What They Said

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.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here previously. 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 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 where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

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

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club 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 St Mirren.

---