Dominant Hearts Overpower Struggling The Hoops to Go Eight Points in Front
Match summary
- Hearts' attacking duo secure victory for the hosts and send them eight ahead at the top
- Callum McGregor cancelled out the early own goal by Dane Murray
- Hearts go 13 league matches unbeaten for first time in over two decades
The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.
A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not recover from.
The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal early on to put the home side ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, 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 the unstoppable Hearts side 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 commanding advantage at the summit.
The last time they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under George Burley, 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 past 27 years.
McInnes, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.
The Celtic boss has seen it all before at Celtic - 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 Depleted The Visitors
Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for the striker to stab wide.
Celtic didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness 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 turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.
The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up the captain, who rolled in.
Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.
The home team regained their intensity and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.
Almost straight away, Murray tripped 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 denied by the shot-stopper.
Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.
The midfielder's wayward free-kick 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 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 consistently.
"What we have got, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here before. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.
"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is normally an indication of where you are."
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled 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 These Teams?
The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.
Star Performer
Hearts Ratings
- Number: 89 Alexandros Kyziridis - Score: 8.65
- Number: 9 L. Shankland - Score: 8.40
- Number: 4 Craig Halkett - Score: 8.30
- Jersey: 10 Braga - Score: 8.27
- Number: 14 Cameron Devlin - Average Rating: 8.22
- Number: 6 Beni Baningime - Score: 8.16
- Jersey: 19 Stuart Findlay - Score: 8.07
- Number: 3 Stephen Kingsley - Average Rating: 8.06
- Number: 18 H. Milne - Average Rating: 8.05
- Number: 25 Alexander Schwolow - Average Rating: 8.04
- Jersey: 31 O. McEntee - Average Rating: 7.74
- Number: 40 Ageu - Average Rating: 7.35
- Jersey: 7 Eliezer Kabangu - Average Rating: 7.22
- Number: 22 T. Magnússon - Score: 7.05
- Jersey: 15 Maximilian Steinwender - Score: 7.01
- Jersey: 5 J. McCart - Average Rating: 6.82
Visitors Ratings
- Jersey: 42 C. McGregor - Score: 4.02
- Number: 1 Kasper Schmeichel - Average Rating: 3.85
- Jersey: 63 K. Tierney - Score: 3.68
- Number: 23 Sebastian Tounekti - Average Rating: 3.56
- Number: 5 L. Scales - Average Rating: 3.43
- Jersey: 51 C. Donovan - Average Rating: 3.34
- Jersey: 8 B. Nygren - Score: 3.28
- Jersey: 27 Arne Engels - Score: 3.24
- Jersey: 49 J. Forrest - Average Rating: 3.10
- Number: 14 Liam McCowan - Average Rating: 3.09
- Number: 41 Reo Hatate - Score: 3.05
- Jersey: