Rampant Heart of Midlothian Outclass Struggling Celtic to Move 8 Pts Clear
Match summary
- Kyziridis & Shankland earn victory for the hosts and send them eight ahead at the top
- Callum McGregor equalized the early own goal by Dane Murray
- Hosts extend 13 league matches unbeaten for first time in 27 years
The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.
Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not recover from.
Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the spot-kick.
Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.
But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since last year.
It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the top of the table.
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 failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.
The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as the club seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.
The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.
But on Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they need to be taken seriously.
Analysis: Hearts Capitalize of Depleted The Visitors
Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for Shankland to fire off target.
The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.
Claudio Braga's header 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 absent center-back.
The away side found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to square for McGregor, who rolled in.
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 stricken attackers their key strikers.
Hearts rediscovered their energy and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.
Immediately after, Murray 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 stopped by Schmeichel.
Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments 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 Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.
Post-Match Comments
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "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 witnessing it 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 maintain this form. 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: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a line so when they pass the ball, 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 still so early. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight points behind is not ideal. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.
"We now have to focus on the present and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."
What's Next for Both Sides?
Celtic are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.
Star Performer
Hearts Player Scores
- Number: 89 Alexandros Kyziridis - Average Rating: 8.65
- Number: 9 L. Shankland - Score: 8.40
- Number: 4 C. Halkett - Score: 8.30
- Jersey: 10 Braga - Score: 8.27
- Jersey: 14 C. Devlin - Average Rating: 8.22
- Number: 6 B. Baningime - Score: 8.16
- Jersey: 19 S. Findlay - Score: 8.07
- Jersey: 3 S. Kingsley - Average Rating: 8.06
- Number: 18 Harry Milne - Score: 8.05
- Number: 25 A. Schwolow - Score: 8.04
- Jersey: 31 O. McEntee - Score: 7.74
- Number: 40 Ageu - Average Rating: 7.35
- Number: 7 Eliezer Kabangu - Score: 7.22
- Jersey: 22 T. Magnússon - Average Rating: 7.05
- Number: 15 M. Steinwender - Score: 7.01
- Jersey: 5 J. McCart - Score: 6.82
Celtic Ratings
- Jersey: 42 C. McGregor - Score: 4.02
- Number: 1 K. Schmeichel - Score: 3.85
- Number: 63 Kieran Tierney - Score: 3.68
- Jersey: 23 Sebastian Tounekti - Score: 3.56
- Number: 5 L. Scales - Average Rating: 3.43
- Jersey: 51 C. Donovan - Score: 3.34
- Jersey: 8 Benjamin Nygren - Score: 3.28
- Jersey: 27 Arne Engels - Average Rating: 3.24
- Jersey: 49 J. Forrest - Average Rating: 3.10
- Jersey: 14 Liam McCowan - Score: 3.09
- Number: 41 R. Hatate - Score: 3.05
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