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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early championship claims and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not overcome.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team 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 the visitors to back-to-back losses for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the summit.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance 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 Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - 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 deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for the striker to fire off target.

Celtic didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

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

Hearts rediscovered their energy and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, the defender fouled Braga in the inside right channel and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

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

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. 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 just one win. It's important 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: "The second goal was disappointing 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 attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's only nine games in. Clearly, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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