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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early championship claims and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not recover from.

The young defender - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing Tynecastle, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic 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 summit.

The last time they were this far ahead was in 2005-06 under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at Celtic - 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.

Analysis: Hearts Capitalize of Depleted The Visitors

Hearts started with the confidence of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for the striker to stab wide.

Celtic didn't help themselves 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 diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found their rhythm and started building moves. From one such move, the midfielder released Tierney to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards 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 scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, the defender tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had substitute Ageu not been stopped by Schmeichel.

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 stark contrast to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then booked for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not sufficient on its own to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's just one win. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "The second goal was disappointing from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to do better with the shot.

"There's still so many points to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Clearly, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

"Our attention must turn on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

Celtic are back at home on midweek against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the top division, Hearts are at St Mirren.

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