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Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early-season title credentials and worsen the struggles around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not recover from.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net early on to put the home side ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

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 make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to consign Celtic to back-to-back losses for the first time since 2023.

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

The last time they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, 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 past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before 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 need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for the striker to stab wide.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness 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 unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From one such move, the midfielder released the full-back to square for the captain, who rolled in.

Aside from the Nygren chance, the visitors struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, Murray fouled the midfielder in the right side of the box and Shankland converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

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

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his European display in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

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. Obviously, being eight points behind is not ideal. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

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

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