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Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not recover from.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, 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 quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead at the summit.

The last time they were this far ahead 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 having held such a lead in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before 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 deserve serious consideration.

Match 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 poked a cross in for the striker to stab wide.

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 touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers their key strikers.

The home team regained their intensity and versatility in attacking from across the final third. 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 edge of the box.

Almost straight away, the defender fouled Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments 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 national team player was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here previously. 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 your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move 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 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 adrift 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 These Teams?

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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