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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish top flight to bolster their early title credentials and deepen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

Alexandros Kyziridis' fine strike and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a 3-1 lead that the reigning champions could not overcome.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic starting lineup - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put Hearts ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, and it was the 22-year-old's foul 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 the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to hand the visitors to successive league defeats for the first time since last year.

It also gives the Hearts a significant lead at the summit.

The last time they were so far clear was in 2005-06 under their former manager, 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 second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since 1960.

Rodgers has seen it all before at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

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

Match Analysis: The hosts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis delivered a ball for the striker to stab wide.

The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they buckled 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 turned into the net by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, the midfielder released the full-back to square for the captain, who rolled in.

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

The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. Kyziridis, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, struck low past Schmeichel from the edge of the box.

Almost straight away, Murray tripped Braga in the right side of the box and the penalty taker 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 partially encapsulated in two incidents 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 national team player was then yellow-carded for a cynical foul.

Post-Match Comments

The Hearts manager: "The effort from the squad is evident, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from a lot of players who have been here previously. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, 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 didn't move when the play was recycled as a line so when they pass the ball, they should have players 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 adrift is not what we would want. The comfort is there's so many games to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to achieve greater stability and more quality in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides?

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

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