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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early-season championship claims and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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.

Dane Murray - among three youth players 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 spot-kick.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to hand the visitors to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead at the summit.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose former team were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Match Analysis: The hosts 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 aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga 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 absent center-back.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up the captain, who slotted home.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray 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 denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

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

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals 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 just one win. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication 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 pass the ball, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Obviously, being eight adrift is not ideal. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"We now have to focus on the present and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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