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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and worsen the struggles around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not recover from.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, 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 the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement 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 initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead at the top of the table.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under George Burley, 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 four occasions, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at the club - 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 deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: Hearts Capitalize of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for Shankland to stab wide.

The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel 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 one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to set up the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards their key strikers.

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

Almost straight away, Murray tripped Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here before. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"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 much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up 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 improve with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Clearly, being eight points behind 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?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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