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Rampant Hearts surged eight points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to bolster their early championship claims and worsen the struggles around Brendan Rodgers' side.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not recover from.

The young defender - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - scored an own goal early on to put Hearts ahead at a bouncing their home ground, 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 Benjamin Nygren almost put Celtic in front, choosing placement over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign the visitors to back-to-back losses 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 this far ahead was in 2005-06 under their former manager, 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.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to play down title talk, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

Rodgers has experienced this previously at the club - 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: The hosts Capitalize of Depleted Celtic

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 help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.

Claudio Braga's header was tipped onto the woodwork by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was turned into the net by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic grew into the contest and started building moves. From a flowing attack, the midfielder released the full-back to set up McGregor, who slotted home.

Apart from the Nygren chance, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers their key strikers.

Hearts regained their intensity and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Immediately after, Murray tripped Braga in the right side of the box and the penalty taker converted. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in two incidents involving record signing Arne Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the continental victory over their Austrian opponents and the Belgium international was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"What we have got, is good technical ability. You're witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here before. Some of the new signings 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 much work ahead, plenty to improve. Following the initial fixtures is normally an indication of your standing."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal 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 improve with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's just nine matches. Obviously, 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 present and look to achieve greater stability and better performance in our play."

Upcoming Fixtures for These Teams?

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

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