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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

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

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign the visitors to back-to-back losses for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the summit.

The last time they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to play down title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on the weekend's performance, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side undefeated 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 uncharacteristic carelessness 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 the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to square for the captain, who slotted home.

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

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, Murray fouled Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne 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 booked for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, 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. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of where you are."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal 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.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's only nine games in. Clearly, being eight adrift is not ideal. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus 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 Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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