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Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early title credentials and deepen 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 title holders could not overcome.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put the home side ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand the visitors to successive league defeats for the first time since last year.

It also gives the Hearts a commanding advantage at the summit.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

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

Match Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Weakened Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for Shankland to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves 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 found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to set up McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the Nygren chance, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability 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.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his European display in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded 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 sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here previously. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures 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 line 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 still so early. It's just nine matches. Obviously, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The positive 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 These Teams?

Celtic are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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