Match summary
The dominant Edinburgh side powered eight ahead of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish top flight to strengthen their early title credentials and worsen the struggles around the Celtic team.
A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave the Hearts team a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not overcome.
Dane Murray - among three youth players in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net in the early stages to put the home side ahead at a energetic Tynecastle, 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 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 Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to consign Celtic to successive league defeats for the first time since last year.
It also gives the Edinburgh side a commanding advantage at the summit.
The last time they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.
McInnes, whose former team were second to Celtic on multiple times, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their maiden league title since the 1960s.
Rodgers has seen it all before 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.
Hearts 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.
The Glasgow team didn't aid their cause with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their initial test.
Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and the follow-up from Shankland was diverted goalwards by the unfortunate Murray, in for the absent center-back.
Celtic grew into the contest and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up the captain, who slotted home.
Apart from the opportunity for Nygren, the visitors struggled to create much for striker Kenny or his replacement Shin Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.
The home team rediscovered their energy and adaptability in creating chances in the opposition half. The Greek forward, a standout performer of the club's scouting network, fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.
Almost straight away, Murray tripped Braga in the right side of the box and Shankland scored. And it could've been an more comprehensive victory, had substitute 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 Sturm Graz and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.
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 witnessing it from multiple individuals who have been here previously. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.
"We've got a good thing going at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to maintain this form. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. Following the initial fixtures is typically a benchmark of where you are."
The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We didn't move when the ball went back as a line so when they play it, 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 only the beginning. It's just nine matches. Clearly, 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."
Celtic are back at home on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the identical hour in the top division, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.
Elara is a seasoned writer and digital storyteller with a passion for exploring diverse literary genres and empowering others through words.
