Rampant Heart of Midlothian Defeat Struggling Celtic to Extend Eight Points Clear
Key points
- Hearts' attacking duo earn victory for the hosts and propel them eight ahead at summit
- Celtic's McGregor equalized the early own goal by Dane Murray
- Hosts extend 13 league matches without defeat for first time in over two decades
The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early-season title credentials and worsen the struggles around the Celtic team.
A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not recover from.
The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - 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 spot-kick.
Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.
But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign 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 last time they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under George Burley, 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.
McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.
The Celtic boss has experienced this previously 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: Hearts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic
The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.
The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness 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 diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to square for 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 their key strikers.
The home team 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 Schmeichel from the just outside the area.
Immediately after, Murray tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement 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 European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.
Post-Match Comments
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.
"What we have got, is skillful players. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions are eager to show that.
"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of where you are."
The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing 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 improve with the shot.
"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Obviously, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The comfort is there's so many games to play.
"We now have to focus on the present and look to find more consistency and more quality in our play."
What's Next for These Teams?
Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.
Star Performer
Team Ratings
- Number: 89 Alexandros Kyziridis - Score: 8.65
- Jersey: 9 Lawrence Shankland - Average Rating: 8.40
- Jersey: 4 Craig Halkett - Average Rating: 8.30
- Jersey: 10 Cláudio Braga - Score: 8.27
- Number: 14 Cameron Devlin - Score: 8.22
- Number: 6 B. Baningime - Average Rating: 8.16
- Number: 19 S. Findlay - Score: 8.07
- Jersey: 3 S. Kingsley - Average Rating: 8.06
- Number: 18 Harry Milne - Score: 8.05
- Number: 25 Alexander Schwolow - Score: 8.04
- Jersey: 31 Owen McEntee - Score: 7.74
- Number: 40 Ageu - Average Rating: 7.35
- Jersey: 7 Eliezer Kabangu - Average Rating: 7.22
- Jersey: 22 Theodor Magnússon - Average Rating: 7.05
- Number: 15 M. Steinwender - Score: 7.01
- Jersey: 5 J. McCart - Average Rating: 6.82
Celtic Ratings
- Jersey: 42 C. McGregor - Score: 4.02
- Number: 1 Kasper Schmeichel - Average Rating: 3.85
- Number: 63 Kieran Tierney - Score: 3.68
- Number: 23 Sebastian Tounekti - Average Rating: 3.56
- Jersey: 5 Liam Scales - Score: 3.43
- Jersey: 51 C. Donovan - Score: 3.34
- Number: 8 B. Nygren - Score: 3.28
- Number: 27 A. Engels - Average Rating: 3.24
- Jersey: 49 J. Forrest - Average Rating: 3.10
- Jersey: 14 Liam McCowan - Average Rating: 3.09
- Jersey: 41 Reo Hatate - Score: 3.05
- Jersey: