Powerful Heart of Midlothian Overpower Disappointing Celtic to Go 8 Pts Clear

Hearts striker seals impressive victory
Lawrence Shankland secured Hearts' statement win

Key points

  • Kyziridis & Shankland secure victory for the hosts and propel them eight points clear at the top
  • Celtic's McGregor equalized early Murray own goal
  • Hearts extend 13 league matches without defeat for the first occasion in 27 years

The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season title credentials and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not overcome.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

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

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand the visitors to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since last year.

It also gives the Hearts 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 - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

Rodgers has experienced this previously 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 deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Weakened The Visitors

The Edinburgh side 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.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to square for the captain, who slotted home.

Key moment from Hearts vs Celtic

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, 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 regained their intensity and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, the defender fouled Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're seeing that 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 only three points. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a line so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

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

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

Celtic are back at home on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

Star Performer

Number: 89 A. Kyziridis
Average rating 8.65

Team Player Scores

  • Number: 89 Alexandros Kyziridis - Average Rating: 8.65
  • Number: 9 L. Shankland - Score: 8.40
  • Number: 4 C. Halkett - Average Rating: 8.30
  • Number: 10 Braga - Score: 8.27
  • Number: 14 C. Devlin - Score: 8.22
  • Jersey: 6 B. Baningime - Average Rating: 8.16
  • Number: 19 S. Findlay - Score: 8.07
  • Number: 3 S. Kingsley - Average Rating: 8.06
  • Jersey: 18 Harry Milne - Score: 8.05
  • Jersey: 25 Alexander Schwolow - Score: 8.04
  • Number: 31 Owen McEntee - Average Rating: 7.74
  • Jersey: 40 Ageu - Score: 7.35
  • Jersey: 7 Eliezer Kabangu - Average Rating: 7.22
  • Jersey: 22 T. Magnússon - Average Rating: 7.05
  • Jersey: 15 M. Steinwender - Score: 7.01
  • Number: 5 J. McCart - Score: 6.82

Celtic Ratings

  • Jersey: 42 C. McGregor - Average Rating: 4.02
  • Jersey: 1 Kasper Schmeichel - Average Rating: 3.85
  • Number: 63 K. Tierney - Average Rating: 3.68
  • Number: 23 Sebastian Tounekti - Score: 3.56
  • Number: 5 Liam Scales - Average Rating: 3.43
  • Number: 51 C. Donovan - Average Rating: 3.34
  • Number: 8 B. Nygren - Score: 3.28
  • Jersey: 27 Arne Engels - Score: 3.24
  • Jersey: 49 J. Forrest - Score: 3.10
  • Number: 14 Liam McCowan - Score: 3.09
  • Number: 41 R. Hatate - Score: 3.05
  • Number:
Andrew Robbins
Andrew Robbins

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering online casinos and slot strategies across Europe.

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