🔗 Share this article

The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of Celtic at the summit 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 Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - 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 quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to consign Celtic to back-to-back losses for the first time since last year.

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

The last time they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, 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 second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to play down title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on the weekend's performance, this Edinburgh outfit showed they need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

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

Celtic didn't aid their cause 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 the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to square for the captain, who rolled in.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin 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. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, Murray tripped Braga in the inside right channel and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been stopped 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 Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not always enough 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. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move 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 improve with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"We now have to focus on the present and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

What's Next for These Teams?

Celtic are back at home on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

---