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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 Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not overcome.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal early on 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 Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to consign the visitors to back-to-back losses 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 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.

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

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings 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: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to stab wide.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

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.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender tripped Braga in the inside right channel and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals 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, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of where you are."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a line 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 only nine games in. Obviously, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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