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Rampant Hearts surged eight points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early title credentials and deepen 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 reigning champions could not recover from.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net early on to put the home side ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, 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 seized control again to hand the visitors to back-to-back losses for the first time since last year.

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

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under George Burley, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings 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 Weakened Celtic

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

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

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to set up the captain, who rolled in.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards their key strikers.

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, the defender tripped Braga in the right side of the box and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a cynical foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a defensive unit 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 still so early. It's only nine games in. Obviously, being eight adrift is not ideal. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to find more consistency and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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