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Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early-season title credentials and deepen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not recover from.

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 22-year-old's foul that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor 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 Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead at the top of the table.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in 2005-06 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 last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

Rodgers has experienced this previously 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 Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for the striker to stab wide.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

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

Immediately after, the defender fouled Braga in the inside right channel and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents 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 national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here before. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a line so when they play it, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"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 positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

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

What's Next for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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