Hearts stun Celtic to move eight points clear at top of Scottish Premiership as Derek McInnes' side aim to become first non-Old Firm team to win title since Sir Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen

After making a flying start to the 2025-26 season, Hearts went into the game against Celtic knowing a win would show they had to be taken seriously in the title race. And after Murray’s own goal was cancelled out by a lovely strike from Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor, Hearts soon raced to victory thanks to second-half efforts from Kyziridis and Shankland, leaving the home supporters dreaming of what might be come the end of the season.

While it remains too early to tell if Hearts truly have a strong chance of winning their first league title since 1960, their triumph over Celtic has captured the imagination of neutral football fans right across Scotland. The last team to win the Scottish league title - other than old firm duo Celtic and Rangers - was Aberdeen in 1985. The Dons, then managed by legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, pipped second-placed Celtic to the title by seven points that year, with Rangers finishing fourth and 21 points adrift. Aberdeen’s victory in 1985 was all the more remarkable because it was their second consecutive title under Ferguson, having also won the league in 1984.

In an eight-year spell in charge, Ferguson led Aberdeen to unprecedented success in what was a golden period in their history. The Pittodrie club won 10 major honours under Ferguson, including another league title in 1980, as well as the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup. Aberdeen defeated Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid 2-1 in the final in Sweden, with John Hewitt scoring the winner in extra time. Ferguson’s men later downed then-European champions Hamburg 2-0 to win the Super Cup in 1983.

However, while early comparisons are being drawn with Ferguson’s famous Aberdeen side, Hearts manager McInnes is keeping his feet firmly on the ground following the win over Celtic.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, McInnes said: "We take the three points and we stick them in the pocket and we're pleased with that. But I think in terms of belief and confidence, I think it does us no harm.

"I don't think it's a statement win. It might be for others on the outside looking in. It might change opinions. It might validate opinions that there's a tightrope.

"I genuinely think that, and I'll stick to it, the fact that once you go round a couple of round of fixtures, I think it's far more sensible to have any real assumption of where teams are going to be.

"But let's not kid ourselves, we're really pleased with what the lads they've given us.

"I thought it was a strong performance we needed to be. I thought it was a polished performance, we needed to have a wee bit of polish on it.

"Technically, we look in a good place, and certainly physically we look in a good place, so long may that continue."

In a result which consigned Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since 2023, following their earlier reverse against Dundee last Sunday, manager Brendan Rodgers was unable to hide his disappointment following the loss at Hearts.

He told BBC Scotland after the game: "Disappointing result and performance. It's a disappointing day. We go behind in the game, show a good mentality to come back, score a good goal.

"I just think we gave it away too easily. We've got to do better with the [second goal]. He likes to come inside, he likes to shoot. And then we make the mistake for the penalty, so all of a sudden it's 3-1.

"Its a game we should take something from, but we didn't do enough.

"Dane [Murray], the young players, you have to be exposed to the pressure. We're needing these players. Dane makes the own goal and is then a little bit rash for the penalty. It's something he'll learn from.

"We need to find a way to be more consistent. It's still so early, it's only nine games. The comfort is there's so many games to play. We know we can find a consistent set of games. There's still so many points to play for."

Next up for Hearts is a trip to St. Mirren on Wednesday before they entertain Dundee three days later. Meanwhile, Celtic will be looking to bounce back when they play host to high-flying Falkirk in midweek. Rodgers’ men will then lock horns with fierce rivals Rangers in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup next Sunday. Rangers are currently fifth in the league and 13 points behind leaders Hearts, though they did beat Kilmarnock 3-1 in new manager Danny Rohl's first home match in charge on Sunday.