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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season championship claims and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not recover from.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net early on to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul that led to the spot-kick.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign the visitors to successive league defeats for the initial occasion since 2023.

It also gives the Edinburgh side a significant lead at the summit.

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - both flawless and stuttering starts to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on the weekend's performance, this Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Match Analysis: Hearts Capitalize of Weakened The Visitors

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

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

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for the captain, who slotted home.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

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

Celtic's second half was partially encapsulated in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the Europa League win over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international 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 always enough to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, 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 crucial for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of where you are."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the ball went back as a line so when they play it, they should have players offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the shot.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight points behind is not what we would want. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the present and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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