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Rampant Hearts powered eight points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and worsen the struggles around the Celtic team.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not recover from.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to consign 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 so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title having held such a lead 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 1960.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts 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: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for the striker to stab wide.

Celtic didn't help themselves 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 absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors 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 adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, the defender tripped Braga in the right side of the box and the penalty taker 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 midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is normally an indication of your standing."

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 should have players offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's only nine games in. Obviously, being eight adrift is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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