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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 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 - one of three youngsters 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 22-year-old's foul that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out Hearts' opener, and Benjamin Nygren almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since last year.

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

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has not secured the title after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

The Celtic boss has experienced this previously at the club - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's yet to finish second best.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Hearts team showed they need to be taken seriously.

Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for the striker to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was tipped onto the woodwork by the Celtic keeper and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.

The away side found their rhythm and started building moves. From one such move, the midfielder released the full-back to set up McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the Nygren chance, Celtic found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, the defender tripped the midfielder in the right side of the box and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been denied by Schmeichel.

The visitors' performance after the break was partially encapsulated 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 their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not sufficient on its own 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 before. Some of the new signings 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 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 pass the ball, they should have players offside but weren't. We have got to improve 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 ideal. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

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

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the identical hour in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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