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The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early championship claims and deepen the struggles around the Celtic team.

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 - 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 spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized Hearts' opener, and the Swedish attacker almost put Rodgers' team in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But the unstoppable Hearts side regained dominance to consign the visitors to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since last year.

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

The previous occasion 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 after building such an advantage in the last three decades.

McInnes, whose Aberdeen side were runners-up to the champions on multiple times, has been working hard to downplay title talk, 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 never ended as runner-up.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit 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 faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by the Celtic keeper and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From one such move, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who slotted home.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors struggled to create much for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

The home team rediscovered their energy and versatility in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Immediately after, Murray fouled Braga in the inside right channel 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 somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The midfielder's wayward free-kick delivery was in sharp opposition to his midweek exploits in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked 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 skillful players. You're witnessing it from a lot of players 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 keep winning. 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 didn't move when the play was recycled as a line so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but weren't. We have got to do better with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Clearly, being eight adrift is not what we would want. The positive 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 better performance in our play."

What's Next for These Teams?

The Glasgow club are back at home on Wednesday against newly-promoted Falkirk (19:45 GMT). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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