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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and worsen the malaise around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not overcome.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out 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 the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign the visitors to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the top of the table.

The last time 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 not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before at Celtic - 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 deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: Hearts Capitalize of Depleted 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 aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness 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 diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to set up the captain, who rolled in.

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

The home team regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute 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 set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here before. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a line so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but weren'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. Clearly, being eight points behind is not ideal. The positive 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 (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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