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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters 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 22-year-old's foul that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to consign the visitors to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since last year.

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

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

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 Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten 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 the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

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

Hearts regained their intensity and versatility in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked 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 consistently.

"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 crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but weren'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 points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

What's Next for These Teams?

Celtic are back at home on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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