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Rampant Hearts surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early title credentials and deepen 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.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal 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 Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since last year.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the summit.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, 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 last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

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

But on Sunday's evidence, this Hearts team showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

Hearts started with the confidence of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for the striker to stab wide.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released Tierney to set up the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

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

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here previously. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a line so when they play it, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Obviously, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

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

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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