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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season title credentials and worsen the malaise 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 - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal in the early stages to put the home side 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 quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to consign Celtic to back-to-back losses for the first time since last year.

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 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.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

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

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to square for McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, 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 replacement Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up 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 Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a line so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. 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.

"We now have to focus on the present and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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