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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early 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 reigning champions could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal early on to put the home side ahead at a bouncing their home ground, 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 Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to consign the visitors 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 last time they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has not secured 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 downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

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

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

Hearts started with the confidence of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to square for McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, Celtic struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, 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 fouled the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half 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 national team player was then yellow-carded for a professional 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 week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's important for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move 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 do better with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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