Hearts moved eight factors away from Celtic on the prime of the Scottish Premiership with a robust 3-1 victory at Tynecastle, sending a powerful message about their title ambitions and deepening Celtic’s early-season troubles.
A effective objective from Alexandros Kyziridis and a Lawrence Shankland penalty sealed the win for Derek McInnes’ facet, after an personal objective by Dane Murray had given them an early lead.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor briefly levelled the rating with a cultured end, however the champions couldn’t get better as Hearts took management and handed Brendan Rodgers’ crew a second straight league defeat — one thing that hasn’t occurred since 2023.
Hearts take management at Tynecastle
The house facet began filled with confidence, unbeaten thus far this season, and the environment inside Tynecastle was electrical. Celtic’s defence struggled early on, and the stress advised when Murray turned the ball into his personal web after Claudio Braga’s header hit the submit.
McGregor equalised quickly after, ending off a effective crew transfer arrange by Sebastian Tounekti and Tierney. However Celtic’s probabilities had been restricted, particularly with a number of key forwards — together with Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda — out injured.
Hearts saved pushing, and Kyziridis fired house from the sting of the field to revive the lead. Moments later, Murray fouled Braga, and Shankland confidently scored from the penalty spot.
It may have been worse for Celtic, as Schmeichel denied substitute Ageu late on.
Hearts’ finest title begin in years
The outcome offers Hearts a commanding benefit on the prime — their greatest for the reason that 2005–06 season underneath George Burley, once they ultimately completed second. McInnes, nevertheless, insists it’s too early for title speak as Hearts chase their first top-flight crown since 1960.
Celtic boss Rodgers admitted his facet had been under their finest:
“It’s a very poor objective we gave away for his or her second. We knew the winger likes to come back inside and shoot, however we didn’t react properly.
It’s nonetheless early — solely 9 video games in — and there are many factors to play for. However we’d like extra consistency and high quality in our play.”
Hearts’ dominant show, mixed with Celtic’s shaky kind, has made this season’s title race one of the crucial thrilling in years — and for now, McInnes’ facet are very a lot in management.
