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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early title credentials and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing their home ground, 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 Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

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

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead 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 ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

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

Rodgers has experienced this previously at Celtic - 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 need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

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.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, the midfielder released the full-back to set up the captain, 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 rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break 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 midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

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.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here before. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"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. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a line so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

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

"We now have to focus on the present and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on Wednesday 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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