Powerful Hearts Defeat Disappointing The Hoops to Go 8 Points Ahead

The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early title credentials and worsen 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.

Dane Murray - 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 youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to consign the visitors to successive league defeats for the first time since 2023.

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 ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to play down title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

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

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

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to stab wide.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they buckled 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 diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

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

Hearts rediscovered their energy and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, Murray tripped 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 stopped by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne 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 Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not always enough 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 previously. 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 important for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a line so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight points behind is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to find more consistency and more quality in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.