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The dominant Edinburgh side powered 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 the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not overcome.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net in the early stages 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 Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to hand Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since last year.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the summit.

The last time they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss 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.

Analysis: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for the striker to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball 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 set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, Celtic struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked 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 good technical ability. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here previously. 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 keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a line so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. 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 achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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