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Rampant Hearts powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early championship claims and deepen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net early on to put the home side ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal 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 save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to consign the visitors to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts a commanding advantage at the summit.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as the club seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

Rodgers has seen it all before at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on Sunday's evidence, 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 unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for the striker to fire off target.

Celtic didn't help themselves with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they buckled under their initial test.

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

Celtic grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to set up McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender fouled Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break 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 booked for a cynical foul.

What They Said

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

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here before. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's important for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they play it, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight adrift is not ideal. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn 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 Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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