Hearts produced a statement performance at Tynecastle to move eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, bolstering their early-season title credentials and piling the pressure on Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic, who now face back-to-back league defeats for the first time in nearly two years.
A deflected own goal from Dane Murray, followed by a stunning strike from Alexandros Kyziridis and a Lawrence Shankland penalty, gave Derek McInnes’ men a commanding 3-1 victory over the reigning champions.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor briefly restored parity with a composed finish midway through the first half, but the Hoops’ defensive frailties and attacking bluntness cost them dearly against a ruthless and confident Hearts side.
Hearts Show Title-Winning Composure at Tynecastle
From the opening whistle, Hearts played like a team full of belief and momentum. Unbeaten in the league this season, McInnes’ men pressed high and looked to exploit Celtic’s experimental back line, which featured 22-year-old Dane Murray in place of the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.
That gamble backfired early when Cláudio Braga’s header rebounded off the post and Murray, under pressure, diverted the ball into his own net.
Celtic briefly rallied — Sebastian Tounekti combined beautifully with Kieran Tierney, setting up McGregor to equalize with his first goal of the season. But any notion of a Celtic resurgence quickly faded as Hearts regained control of the midfield and dominated the duels across the park.
Kyziridis and Shankland Deliver a Hammer Blow
With Tynecastle rocking, Hearts pushed forward again. The influential Alexandros Kyziridis, one of the discoveries from the club’s analytics partnership with Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics, cut inside from the right and fired a low drive past Kasper Schmeichel to make it 2-1.
Minutes later, Murray’s afternoon went from bad to worse when he tripped Cláudio Braga inside the box. Lawrence Shankland stepped up and buried the penalty — his seventh goal of the campaign — to seal a memorable win.
Substitute Ageu could have added a fourth, but Schmeichel denied him with a strong save.
Celtic’s Depth and Discipline Under Scrutiny
For Brendan Rodgers, this was another worrying display from a Celtic side missing several key attackers — including Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda — and struggling for rhythm in possession.
Record signing Arne Engels summed up their frustrations, wasting a free kick and later earning a yellow card for a cynical challenge. Even the introduction of Shin Yamada couldn’t lift a limp second-half showing.
“It’s a really poor second goal from our perspective,” Rodgers admitted post-match. “We didn’t move up as a line, and they played through us too easily. It’s still early, but we’ve got to find more consistency and quality.”
McInnes Keeps Title Talk in Check
Despite leading by eight points after just nine games, Derek McInnes is keeping his players grounded.
“We’ve got a good thing going, but it’s only three points at a time,” the Hearts boss said. “You see the work rate and togetherness in this squad. That alone doesn’t win you titles, but the technical quality and confidence are there. We just need to keep pushing.”
Hearts last led the Scottish Premiership by such a margin in 2005–06 under George Burley, when they eventually finished second. But this season’s side looks more balanced, physically robust, and tactically mature — the hallmarks of genuine title contenders.
Player of the Match: Alexandros Kyziridis
Kyziridis was unplayable on the night — constantly driving at Celtic’s defence, scoring a superb goal, and winning the penalty that sealed the result. He earned an average fan rating of 8.65, narrowly ahead of captain Lawrence Shankland (8.40) and defender Craig Halkett (8.30).
What’s Next
Hearts travel to St Mirren on Wednesday as they aim to maintain their unbeaten start and further strengthen their title claim. Meanwhile, Celtic return to Parkhead to host newly promoted Falkirk, where they’ll hope to steady the ship and prevent the gap from widening further.
Hearts’ Title Dream Becomes Reality?
While McInnes may downplay the chatter, the numbers speak volumes. Hearts have now scored in every league match this season, boast the best defensive record in the Premiership, and have turned Tynecastle into a fortress once again.
For Celtic, questions are mounting. Rodgers insists there’s time to recover, but unless the champions rediscover their intensity and sharpness, this could be the year the Scottish crown changes hands for the first time since 2021.
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