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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster 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 3-1 lead that the title holders could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net 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 the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to hand the visitors to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the summit.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown 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 Sunday's evidence, 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 unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to stab wide.

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

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From one such move, the midfielder released the full-back to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability 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 scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, the defender fouled the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here previously. Some of the new signings 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 much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to do better with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present 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 promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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