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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season championship claims and worsen the malaise around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions 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 youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized 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 the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to hand the visitors to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since last year.

It also gives the Edinburgh side 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 ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings 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: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

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 injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "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 before. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but weren't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"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 what we would want. The positive is there's so many games 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 back at home on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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