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Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early championship claims and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

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

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since last year.

It also gives the Hearts a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as the club 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 Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for Shankland to fire off target.

Celtic 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 Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to square for the captain, who rolled in.

Apart from the Nygren chance, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility 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, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not always enough 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 before. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of where you are."

The Celtic boss: "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 didn't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

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

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

What's Next for These Teams?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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