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Rampant Hearts surged eight ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early championship claims and deepen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not recover from.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a energetic 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 quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to consign the visitors to back-to-back losses for the first time since last year.

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

The last time they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under George Burley, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on the weekend's performance, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for the striker to stab wide.

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 tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released Tierney to set up McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers their key strikers.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, fired a low shot past Schmeichel from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

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 sharp opposition to his European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a cynical foul.

What They Said

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

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's just one win. It's important for us to maintain this form. 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: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"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 more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

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

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