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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - 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 spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to consign Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time 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 - one of just four occasions 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 four occasions, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

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

Analysis: Hearts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker 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 first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

The away side found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Apart from the Nygren chance, Celtic struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

The home team regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne 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 yellow-carded for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. 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 important for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a line so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

Celtic are back at home on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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