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

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not overcome.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

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 Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the summit.

The last time they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

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 need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side 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 aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

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 stark contrast to his European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here before. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn'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 only nine games in. Obviously, being eight points behind is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

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

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are back at home on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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