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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season title credentials and deepen the struggles around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not recover from.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to hand 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 their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for Shankland to stab wide.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to set up the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray tripped Braga in the right side of the box and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here before. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, loads to do. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing 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 didn't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight points behind is not ideal. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to find more consistency and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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