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

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

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net early on to put the home side ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker 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 Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts 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 ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to play down title talk, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

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

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Weakened The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled 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 unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, 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 right side of the box 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 partially encapsulated in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here previously. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"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 loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of where you are."

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

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"We now have to focus on the present and look to find more consistency and more quality 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 identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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