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Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season championship claims and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, 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 the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to consign Celtic to back-to-back losses for the first time since 2023.

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

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to play down title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

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

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for the striker to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness 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 building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to square for the captain, who rolled in.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards their key strikers.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents 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 team spirit. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. 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: "It's a really poor goal 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 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 numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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