Rampant Heart of Midlothian Outclass Meek Celtic to Go Eight Points Clear

The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear 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 the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not recover from.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and the Swedish attacker 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 first time 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 the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

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

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

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 fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered 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 turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to square for the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity 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 just outside the area.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

The visitors' performance after the break was partially encapsulated in two incidents 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 national team player was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions 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 keep winning. We've got loads to do, 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 ball went back as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they should have players 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 only nine games in. Obviously, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.