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Rampant Hearts surged eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early 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 reigning champions could not overcome.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, 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 the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since last year.

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

The last time they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts 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

Hearts started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for the striker to fire off target.

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

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, the visitors struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards their key strikers.

The home team 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.

Immediately after, Murray tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked 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.

"What we have got, 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've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a line so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but weren'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. Clearly, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to find more consistency and more quality in our play."

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are back at home 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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