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Rampant Hearts powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early-season title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put the home side ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, 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 the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts regained dominance to hand the visitors to successive league defeats for the first time since 2023.

It also gives the Hearts a commanding advantage at the summit.

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 past 27 years.

McInnes, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

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 Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they need to be taken seriously.

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for the striker to fire off target.

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

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland 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 Tierney to set up the captain, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

The home team regained their intensity and versatility in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, 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, Murray fouled the midfielder in the right side of the box and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display 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: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from a lot of players 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 just one win. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of where you are."

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 pass the ball, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Clearly, being eight points behind is not ideal. The positive is there's numerous fixtures 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?

Celtic are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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