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Rampant Hearts powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early-season title credentials and deepen the struggles around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not overcome.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net early on to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team 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 the visitors to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since last year.

It also gives the Hearts a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The last time they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been at pains to play down title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at Celtic - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on the weekend's performance, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Depleted The Visitors

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

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves 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 absent center-back.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers their key strikers.

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability 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 just outside the area.

Immediately after, the defender fouled Braga in the right side of the box and the penalty taker 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 partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his European display in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions 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 much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing 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.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight adrift is not ideal. The positive is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the present and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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