Dominant Hearts Defeat Meek Celtic to Go Eight Points Clear
Key points
- Hearts' attacking duo earn Hearts win and propel them eight ahead at summit
- Celtic's McGregor equalized early Murray own goal
- Hearts extend 13 games unbeaten 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 worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.
A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not overcome.
Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.
A stylish finish from McGregor 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 seized control again to consign Celtic 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 this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.
The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side 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 seen it all before at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.
But on the weekend's performance, this Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.
Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic
The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for Shankland to stab wide.
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 touched on to a post 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 the full-back to square for McGregor, who rolled in.
Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.
Hearts rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.
Almost straight away, the defender fouled 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 somewhat summed up in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.
The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a cynical foul.
What They Said
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 skillful players. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here before. Recent additions are eager to show that.
"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 line so when they pass the ball, they should have players 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 ideal. The positive is there's so many games 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 returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at St Mirren.
Star Performer
Team Player Scores
- Jersey: 89 A. Kyziridis - Average Rating: 8.65
- Jersey: 9 Lawrence Shankland - Score: 8.40
- Number: 4 C. Halkett - Average Rating: 8.30
- Jersey: 10 Cláudio Braga - Average Rating: 8.27
- Jersey: 14 Cameron Devlin - Average Rating: 8.22
- Jersey: 6 B. Baningime - Score: 8.16
- Jersey: 19 S. Findlay - Score: 8.07
- Jersey: 3 S. Kingsley - Score: 8.06
- Number: 18 Harry Milne - Score: 8.05
- Jersey: 25 A. Schwolow - Score: 8.04
- Jersey: 31 Owen McEntee - Score: 7.74
- Number: 40 Ageu - Score: 7.35
- Number: 7 Eliezer Kabangu - Score: 7.22
- Number: 22 Theodor Magnússon - Score: 7.05
- Jersey: 15 M. Steinwender - Average Rating: 7.01
- Jersey: 5 J. McCart - Score: 6.82
Visitors Ratings
- Jersey: 42 Callum McGregor - Average Rating: 4.02
- Number: 1 Kasper Schmeichel - Average Rating: 3.85
- Number: 63 K. Tierney - Score: 3.68
- Jersey: 23 S. Tounekti - Average Rating: 3.56
- Jersey: 5 L. Scales - Score: 3.43
- Jersey: 51 C. Donovan - Average Rating: 3.34
- Number: 8 B. Nygren - Score: 3.28
- Number: 27 A. Engels - Score: 3.24
- Number: 49 James Forrest - Average Rating: 3.10
- Jersey: 14 Liam McCowan - Score: 3.09
- Number: 41 Reo Hatate - Score: 3.05
- Number: