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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early title credentials and worsen the malaise around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not recover from.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to consign Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since last year.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the summit.

The last time they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers 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 Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

Hearts started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to stab wide.

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

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, 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.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his European display in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

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

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here before. Some of the new signings 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, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is normally an indication of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a line so when they play it, they ought to be caught offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight points behind is not ideal. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to find more consistency and more quality in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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