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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early-season title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to consign Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the summit.

The last time they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, 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 runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on the weekend's performance, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

Hearts started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for the striker to fire off target.

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

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to square for McGregor, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic 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.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and adaptability 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 the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, the defender tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and the penalty taker 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 two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here before. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of where you are."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a line so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight points behind is not ideal. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the present and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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