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Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early title credentials and worsen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

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, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses 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 the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to play down title talk, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

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 Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for the striker to stab wide.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

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

The home team regained their intensity and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

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

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're seeing that 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 crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight adrift is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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