🔗 Share this article

The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic 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 consign Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since last year.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the summit.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under George Burley, when they ended as runners-up - 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 runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

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 Sunday's evidence, this Hearts team showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis 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 buckled under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up McGregor, 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 creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray fouled Braga in the inside right channel and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

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 Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals 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 only three points. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing 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 didn't. We have got to do better with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight adrift is not ideal. The positive 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 Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

---