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Rampant Hearts powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season championship claims and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not overcome.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net early on to put Hearts ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to hand Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the summit.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on the weekend's performance, this Hearts team showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for Shankland to fire off target.

Celtic didn't help themselves with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started building moves. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to square for McGregor, who slotted home.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, Murray fouled the midfielder in the right side of the box and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his European display in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here before. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they play it, they ought to be caught offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight adrift is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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