🔗 Share this article

Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early championship claims and worsen the struggles around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike 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 XI - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to consign the visitors to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since last year.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead at the summit.

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

Rodgers 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.

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, the midfielder released the full-back to square for the captain, who rolled in.

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

The home team regained their intensity and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer 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, the defender tripped Braga in the right side of the box and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

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 Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here before. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's important for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. 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 failed to push up when the play was recycled as a line so when they play it, they ought to be caught offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Obviously, 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 achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

---