🔗 Share this article

Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early-season championship claims and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal early on to put the home side 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 quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to hand 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 previous occasion they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - 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 runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

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

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for the striker to stab wide.

Celtic 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 the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to square for McGregor, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, Murray fouled the midfielder 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 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 Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical 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 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 eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial 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: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they play it, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to do better 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 comfort is there's so many games 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 identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

---