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Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early title credentials and worsen 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.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the spot-kick.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand Celtic to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead 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 - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

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

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

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

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper 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 square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers their key strikers.

The home team regained their intensity and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, the defender tripped Braga in the right side of the box and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here previously. 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. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a line so when they pass the ball, 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. Obviously, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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