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Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early-season title credentials and deepen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not recover from.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net early on to put Hearts ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts 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 previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

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

Rodgers has seen it all before at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

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

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

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray fouled the midfielder in the right side of the box and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his European display in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player 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 always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here before. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark 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 line so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but didn'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 comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

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

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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