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
21. Claudio Braga
A buzzbomb in the Hearts attack. His header led to the opening goal and he won the all-important penalty with great footwork. Not only was the Portuguese silky but he was happy to put himself about. Already a hero with the Gorgie faithful. 9 | SNS Group
22. Johnny Kenny
Decent enough movement but never saw a clear-cut opportunity. Lacks the proper gravitas of a Celtic No 9. Replaced by Yamada. 4 | SNS Group
23. Hearts subs
Ageu made his Tynecastle debut and ought to have scored. There were also appearances for Michael Steinwender, Jamie McCart, Tomas Magnusson and Elton Kabangu. | SNS Group
24. Celtic subs
None of the players called upon from the bench could make an impact. Shin Yamada was given a rare outing and James Forrest, Luke McCowan and Michel-Ange Balikwisha were brought on. | SNS Group