Powerful Heart of Midlothian Defeat Meek The Hoops to Go 8 Pts Clear

Lawrence Shankland seals impressive victory
Lawrence Shankland secured Hearts' statement win

Key points

  • Kyziridis & Shankland secure Hearts win and send them eight ahead at summit
  • Callum McGregor equalized early Murray own goal
  • Hosts go 13 league matches unbeaten for the first occasion in over two decades

The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season championship claims and deepen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions 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 22-year-old's foul 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, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since last year.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The last time they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under George Burley, 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 past 27 years.

McInnes, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Weakened Celtic

Hearts started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for the striker to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Match action from the Premiership clash

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, the defender tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments 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 their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here before. Some of the new signings 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 where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled 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 shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. 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."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

Player of the Match

Number: 89 Alexandros Kyziridis
Player rating 8.65

Hearts Ratings

  • Jersey: 89 A. Kyziridis - Score: 8.65
  • Number: 9 L. Shankland - Average Rating: 8.40
  • Jersey: 4 Craig Halkett - Score: 8.30
  • Number: 10 Braga - Score: 8.27
  • Jersey: 14 C. Devlin - Score: 8.22
  • Jersey: 6 B. Baningime - Average Rating: 8.16
  • Jersey: 19 Stuart Findlay - Average Rating: 8.07
  • Jersey: 3 Stephen Kingsley - Score: 8.06
  • Jersey: 18 H. Milne - Score: 8.05
  • Jersey: 25 A. Schwolow - Score: 8.04
  • Number: 31 O. McEntee - Score: 7.74
  • Jersey: 40 Ageu - Score: 7.35
  • Number: 7 Eliezer Kabangu - Score: 7.22
  • Jersey: 22 Theodor Magnússon - Score: 7.05
  • Jersey: 15 Maximilian Steinwender - Score: 7.01
  • Number: 5 J. McCart - Score: 6.82

Visitors Player Scores

  • Jersey: 42 C. McGregor - Average Rating: 4.02
  • Number: 1 Kasper Schmeichel - Average Rating: 3.85
  • Number: 63 K. Tierney - Score: 3.68
  • Number: 23 S. Tounekti - Score: 3.56
  • Jersey: 5 L. Scales - Score: 3.43
  • Jersey: 51 C. Donovan - Average Rating: 3.34
  • Number: 8 Benjamin Nygren - Average Rating: 3.28
  • Number: 27 Arne Engels - Score: 3.24
  • Number: 49 J. Forrest - Score: 3.10
  • Number: 14 Liam McCowan - Average Rating: 3.09
  • Number: 41 R. Hatate - Score: 3.05
  • Number:
Katherine Long
Katherine Long

A seasoned watch enthusiast with over a decade of experience in horology, specializing in vintage and modern luxury timepieces.