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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early championship claims and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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 - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net early on to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing 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 swiftly equalized the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to hand Celtic to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since last year.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage 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 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 play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

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

But on Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

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

The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to set up the captain, who slotted home.

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

The home team 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 Braga in the inside right channel and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then booked for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here before. Recent additions 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 keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to do better 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 positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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