Dominant Heart of Midlothian Defeat Disappointing The Hoops to Extend 8 Pts Ahead

Lawrence Shankland celebrates impressive victory
The Hearts forward put the seal on Hearts' statement win

Match summary

  • Kyziridis & Shankland secure victory for the hosts and propel them eight points clear at summit
  • Celtic's McGregor cancelled out the early own goal by Dane Murray
  • Hosts extend 13 games unbeaten for first time in over two decades

The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early title credentials and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not overcome.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing their home ground, 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 Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to consign the visitors to successive league defeats 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 2005-06 under their former manager, 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.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as the club seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings 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: Hearts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

Hearts started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for the striker to stab wide.

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

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to set up the captain, who rolled in.

Key moment from the Premiership clash

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

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender fouled Braga in the inside right channel and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

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 skillful players. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here before. 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 much work ahead, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is normally an indication 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 line so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but weren'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 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 find more consistency and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

Star Performer

Number: 89 Alexandros Kyziridis
Player rating 8.65

Team Ratings

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

Visitors Ratings

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

A passionate travel writer and photographer who has explored over 50 countries, sharing stories and tips to inspire wanderlust.