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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and worsen the malaise around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not recover from.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing 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 the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand Celtic to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since last year.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the top of the table.

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 runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

Rodgers has seen it all before at Celtic - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on the weekend's performance, this Edinburgh outfit showed they need to be taken seriously.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened 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.

Celtic didn't aid their cause 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 the follow-up from Shankland 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 a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to square for the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

The home team regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

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

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here before. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move 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 shot.

"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 comfort is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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