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Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing 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 swiftly equalized the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

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

It also gives the Hearts a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The last time they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Hearts team showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Weakened Celtic

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

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 diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

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

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, one of the finds 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.

Immediately after, the defender tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

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

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here before. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, loads to do. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's only nine games in. Clearly, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"We now have to focus on the present and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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