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Rampant Hearts powered eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early title credentials and deepen the struggles around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not recover from.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to consign the visitors to successive league defeats for the first time 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 ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before at Celtic - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

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

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals 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 keep winning. We've got loads to do, loads to do. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

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

"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.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to find more consistency and more quality in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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