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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early-season title credentials and worsen the malaise 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 title holders could not overcome.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic starting lineup - scored an own goal in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a bouncing their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the penalty.

Callum McGregor's classy first goal of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, choosing placement over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to save from close range.

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

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

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ended as runners-up - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were runners-up to the champions on four occasions, has been at pains to play down championship discussions, as the club seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at Celtic - 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 deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Depleted Celtic

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side unbeaten in the league this season - the popular attacker delivered a ball for Shankland to fire off target.

Celtic didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled under their first real examination.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the absent center-back.

Celtic grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who rolled in.

Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the absence of injured forwards their key strikers.

The home team regained their intensity and versatility in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, one of the finds of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, Murray tripped the midfielder in the inside right channel and Shankland converted. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his European display in the continental victory over Sturm Graz and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

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 skillful players. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here before. Recent additions are keen to demonstrate their quality.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is normally an indication of your standing."

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 ought to be caught offside but didn't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's only the beginning. It's only nine games in. Obviously, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The positive is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on midweek against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, the Edinburgh outfit are at their opponents' ground.

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