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

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not recover from.

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

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper 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 so far clear was in 2005-06 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 Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at Celtic - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

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

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

Hearts started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to stab wide.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

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 hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray tripped Braga in the right side of the box and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute 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 midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark 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 ought to be caught offside but weren't. We have got to do better with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight adrift 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 back at home on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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