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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early-season title credentials and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net early on to put Hearts ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to hand the visitors 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 their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on the weekend's performance, this Hearts team 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 - the popular attacker delivered a ball for Shankland to stab wide.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to square for the captain, who rolled in.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards their key strikers.

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

Almost straight away, the defender 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 partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne 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 yellow-carded for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, 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 witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here previously. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "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 ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Obviously, being eight adrift is not ideal. 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."

What's Next for These Teams?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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