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
17. Alexandros Kyziridis
A proper winger. The Greek terrorised Celtic's left flank all day and always tried to make something happen. Rattled home the crucial Hearts second goal not long after the restart. Came off knackered after 71 minutes - his job had been done. 9 | SNS Group
18. Benjamin Nygren
Celtic's big sinner in the first half, failing to put his foot through a big chance when the score was 1-1. Looked out of sorts on the right wing, which is becoming a problem area for Celtic. Replaced by McCowan. 3 | SNS Group
19. Sebastian Tounekti
Celtic's most dangerous player in the first half and helped set up McGregor's strike. Faded in second half and came off just before hour mark. 5 | SNS Group
20. Lawrence Shankland
A captain's performance. Drilled the ball in for the opening goal, linked up well with Braga and showed great composure to belt home the penalty. 8 | SNS Group