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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early-season title credentials and worsen the malaise 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 overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - 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 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 Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper 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 Hearts a significant lead at the top of the table.

The last time they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - both flawless and stuttering starts 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: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for Shankland to stab wide.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to square for McGregor, 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 stricken attackers their key strikers.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional 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 witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here before. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled 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 only nine games in. Clearly, being eight points behind is not ideal. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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