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Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season championship claims and worsen the struggles 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 XI - 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 spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to hand the visitors to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the summit.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under George Burley, 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.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on the weekend's performance, this Hearts team showed they deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for Shankland 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 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, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Apart from the Nygren chance, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and versatility 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 Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

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 Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then booked for a cynical foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here before. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"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 loads to do, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a line so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

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

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