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Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early championship claims and worsen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty 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 in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, 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 regained dominance to consign the visitors to back-to-back losses for the first time since last year.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead 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 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 Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay 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 Sunday's evidence, this Hearts team showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for the striker to stab wide.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender fouled 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 stopped by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne 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 national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going 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 where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a line so when they play it, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to do better 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 what we would want. The positive is there's so many games 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 Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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