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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early title credentials and deepen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net early on 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 penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to consign Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The last time they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to play down title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

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

But on the weekend's performance, this Edinburgh outfit showed they need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: Hearts Capitalize of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper 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, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up the captain, who slotted home.

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

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped Braga in the right side of the box and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

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

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight points behind is not ideal. The comfort 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?

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

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