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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season championship claims and deepen the struggles around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal early on to put the home side ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper 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 Hearts a significant lead at the summit.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as the club seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers 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.

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 - the popular attacker delivered a ball for the striker to stab wide.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

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

The away side grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to square for the captain, who rolled in.

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

The home team regained their intensity and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

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 denied by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

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

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from a lot of players who have been here previously. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of where you are."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing 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 do better with the shot.

"There's still so many points 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 so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are back at home on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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