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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season title credentials and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

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

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal early on to put the home side 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 swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again 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 so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - 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 former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to play down title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

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 Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: Hearts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for the striker to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

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 absent center-back.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From one such move, the midfielder released the full-back to set up McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender tripped Braga in the right side of the box and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles 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.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

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

"We're in a positive moment 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 typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up 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 only nine games in. Obviously, being eight points behind is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

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

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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