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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early title credentials 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 title holders could not recover from.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net 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.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead at the summit.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay 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 yet to finish second best.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their initial test.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to square for the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, Murray fouled Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

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

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

What They Said

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

"What we have got, 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've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to keep winning. 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: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a line so when they play it, they should have players 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. Obviously, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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