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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early-season championship claims and deepen the struggles around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters 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 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 hand the visitors to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - 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 need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the confidence of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for the striker to fire off target.

Celtic didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork 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 set up the captain, who rolled in.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped Braga in the inside right channel and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win 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 team spirit. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, 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'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, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a line so when they play it, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight adrift is not ideal. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the present and look to find more consistency 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 same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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