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Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early-season championship claims and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a 3-1 lead 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 Hearts ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, 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 the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to consign the visitors to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the summit.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as the club seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

Rodgers has seen it all before at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

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

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the self-assurance 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 unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team regained their intensity and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

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

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. 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 keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, loads to do. 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.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. 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.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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