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Rampant Hearts powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the summit of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early title credentials and deepen the struggles around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a 3-1 lead that the title holders could not overcome.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a energetic 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 swiftly equalized the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

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

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

The last time they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to play down title talk, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since the 1960s.

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

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

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

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, 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 set up McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the absence of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts rediscovered their energy 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 just outside the area.

Almost straight away, Murray tripped 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 denied by Schmeichel.

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

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked 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.

"What we have got, is skillful players. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions are eager to show that.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark 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 defensive unit so when they play it, they ought to be caught offside but weren'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 just nine matches. Clearly, being eight adrift is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to find more consistency and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

Celtic are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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