🔗 Share this article

Rampant Hearts powered eight ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early championship claims and deepen the struggles around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not overcome.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net early on to put Hearts ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

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

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the summit.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead 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 having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

Rodgers has seen it all before at Celtic - 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 deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted The Visitors

Hearts started with the confidence of a side undefeated 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 uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender fouled the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked 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 week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it 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 crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

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 ought to be caught 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 adrift is not what we would want. 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."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are back at home on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

---