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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early championship claims and deepen the struggles around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

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

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign Celtic to back-to-back losses for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side 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 ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to play down title talk, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

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

But on Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage 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 Shankland to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer 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, Murray tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by the shot-stopper.

The visitors' performance after the break was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded 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 consistently.

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions 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 keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they play it, they ought to be caught 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 just nine matches. Obviously, being eight adrift 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 find more consistency and more quality in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the top division, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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