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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season championship claims and deepen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand the visitors 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 previous occasion they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - 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 former team were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on the weekend's performance, this Hearts team showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the self-assurance 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 unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for the captain, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray tripped Braga in the right side of the box and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving big-money recruit 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 Belgium international was then booked for a cynical foul.

What They Said

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

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

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they play it, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches 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 so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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