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

A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty 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 XI - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, 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 seized control again to hand the visitors to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since 2023.

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

The previous occasion they were so far clear 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 having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to play down title talk, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at the club - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

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

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the confidence of a side unbeaten in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for the striker to stab wide.

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

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to set up the captain, who rolled in.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender fouled the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. 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 record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, 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 previously. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to keep winning. 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 failed to push up when the play was recycled 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 shot.

"There's still so many points 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 positive is there's numerous fixtures 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 Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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