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Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not recover from.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing 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 Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign Celtic to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since 2023.

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

The last time they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under George Burley, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on the weekend's performance, this Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Match Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for the striker to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped Braga in the right side of the box and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne 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 national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here before. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a line so when they play it, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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