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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early title credentials and worsen the malaise around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal 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.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand the visitors to successive league defeats for the first time since 2023.

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

The previous occasion they were this far ahead was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, 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.

McInnes, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been at pains to play down 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.

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

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

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

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for the captain, who slotted home.

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

The home team regained their intensity and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray fouled the midfielder in the inside right channel and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

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

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is skillful players. 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 just one win. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got loads to do, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a defensive unit 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 points behind 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 Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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