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Rampant Hearts surged eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early-season title credentials and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net early on to put the home side ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, 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 the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

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 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 multiple times, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as Hearts 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 yet to finish second best.

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

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for the striker to fire off target.

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 Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to set up the captain, who rolled in.

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

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, the defender fouled Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition 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.

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.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here before. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a line so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to do better with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight adrift is not ideal. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

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

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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