Hearts have moved eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a convincing 3-1 win over defending champions Celtic.
The home side were well worth their victory at a raucous and passionate Tynecastle and continued their incredible start to the season against an injury-ravaged and diminished Celtic.
An own goal from Dane Murray, and excellent strike from Alexandros Kyziridis and a penalty from Lawrence Shankland made the difference for Hearts, and while Celtic levelled through a Callum McGregor effort, they could not cope with their hosts.
After nine matches, Hearts have won eight and drawn one. They sit on 25 points, with second-placed Celtic on 17. Their next game is away at St Mirren on Wednesday.
Hearts took a eighth-minute lead when Murray lashed home a Shankland cutback into his own net, but in a frantic opening, Celtic levelled when McGregor steered home a Kieran Tierney cutback on 12 minutes.
After an even remainder of the first half, Hearts kicked on. Kyziridis cut in off the left flank and lashed home on 52 minutes, and then Shankland converted a penalty on 55 minutes after Claudio Braga was hauled down by Murray.
Celtic tried to rouse a comeback but could not get past a well-drilled Hearts backline. The win merely swells optimism that Hearts can win the league under Derek McInnes, with Celtic’s malaise continuing apace.
. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 26: Hearts' Lawrence Shankland (R) celebrates after scoring a penalty to make it 3-1 during a William Hill Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic at Tynecastle Park, on October 26, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Hearts celebrate their big win over Celtic at Tynecastle. | SNS Group
13. Callum McGregor
The captain was the only Celtic player who rose to the occasion. Took his goal well and kept battling away in midfield right until the end. He was let down by some of his teammates. 6 | SNS Group
14. Reo Hatate
The Japanese midfielder had some nice moments but was shut down all too often by Hearts tenacious press. Came off when 3-1 down. 4 | SNS Group
15. Arne Engels
Some neat technical moments but lost out in the heat of the midfield battle. 5 | SNS Group
16. Harry Milne
The left-back is probably not a long-term answer wide right but for now, he gives this team balance by cutting inside. Solid enough display. 7 | SNS Group