Rampant Hearts Outclass Struggling Celtic to Go 8 Pts Clear

The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early title credentials and worsen the malaise around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not recover from.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net 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.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

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 Hearts a commanding advantage 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 - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

The Celtic boss 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 Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

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

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

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts 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 the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, the defender tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. 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 previously. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they play it, 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 adrift is not ideal. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the present and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

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