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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early title credentials and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

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.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, 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 Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses 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 this far ahead was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

McInnes, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on the weekend's performance, this Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for Shankland to stab wide.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

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

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

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute 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, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

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

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 sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here before. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's important for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal 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 improve with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's only the beginning. It's only nine games in. Clearly, being eight adrift is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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