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Rampant Hearts surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not overcome.

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

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

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

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness 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 Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards 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 the full-back to set up McGregor, who rolled in.

Apart from the Nygren chance, Celtic struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts regained their intensity and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, Murray tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

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

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked for a cynical foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals 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 crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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