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Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early title credentials and deepen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not overcome.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized 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 hand Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since last year.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the top of the table.

The last time they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at the club - 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 need to be taken seriously.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

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

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header 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 injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray fouled Braga in the right side of the box and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving record signing Arne Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a professional foul.

What They Said

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here before. Some of the new signings are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"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 loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is normally an indication of your standing."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a line so when they play it, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. 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 here and now and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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