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Rampant Hearts surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season championship claims and deepen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign the visitors to back-to-back losses for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, 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.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

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

But on Sunday's evidence, this Hearts team showed they deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for the striker to fire off target.

Celtic didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness 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 found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to square for the captain, who slotted home.

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

The home team regained their intensity and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half 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 midweek exploits in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. 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 previously. Some of the new signings 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 maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they play it, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to do better with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Obviously, 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 find more consistency and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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