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The dominant Edinburgh side surged eight points clear of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early title credentials and deepen the malaise around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and a spot-kick from Shankland gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the title holders could not recover from.

Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - 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 spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had swiftly equalized the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing the Hearts keeper to make a crucial stop.

But the unstoppable Hearts side seized control again to consign the visitors 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 this far ahead was in 2005-06 under their former manager, when they ended as runners-up - a rare instance that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the past 27 years.

The Hearts coach, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been at pains to downplay title talk, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.

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 deserve serious consideration.

Match Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened Celtic

Hearts started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - fans' favourite Kyziridis poked a cross in for Shankland to fire off target.

The Glasgow team didn't help themselves with some unusual sloppiness in possession and they buckled under their initial test.

A headed effort from Braga was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to square for McGregor, who slotted home.

Aside from the opportunity for Nygren, Celtic struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of stricken attackers their key strikers.

The home team regained their intensity and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. Kyziridis, 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.

Almost straight away, the defender fouled the midfielder in the inside right channel and the penalty taker scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had replacement Ageu not been denied by the shot-stopper.

The visitors' performance after the break was partially encapsulated in two incidents involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles 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

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "You see how hard the players work, the togetherness. That's not sufficient on its own to win games consistently.

"Our strength lies in, 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 just one win. It's crucial for us to maintain this form. We've got loads to do, 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 ball went back as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught 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 just nine matches. 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 find more consistency and better performance in our play."

What's Next 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, the Edinburgh outfit are at St Mirren.

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