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Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early-season championship claims and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not overcome.

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

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to consign the visitors to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since 2023.

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

The last time 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 failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to play down title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

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

Match Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Weakened Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in 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.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to square for the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, Murray fouled the midfielder in the right side of the box and Shankland converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

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

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a cynical foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here before. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is normally an indication of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they play it, they ought to be caught offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight points behind is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

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

What's Next for These Teams?

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

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