A Promising Start Fades
Just over a month ago, Hearts looked like the storybook team of the Scottish Premiership. A commanding 3-1 win over defending champions Celtic had opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the table, sparking hopes of a genuine title challenge.
But since that high, the Edinburgh side has struggled to maintain momentum. In their last six games, Hearts have managed just one win and suffered four draws, including a 1-1 stalemate with Kilmarnock on Wednesday, leaving fans restless.
“There was a bit of booing, probably borne from frustration,” said former Hearts winger Neil McCann on Sportscene.
“They’ve not won since 1 November and Celtic are putting a bit of pressure on. They play both the Old Firm and having the Edinburgh derby coming up, too.”
The early-season euphoria, complete with fans chanting “we shall not moved,” may have been premature, but the emotions were understandable. Hearts remain top, having lost just once in 15 league games, scored six more goals than second-placed Celtic, and still hold a nine-point advantage over Rangers. Yet their recent dip has served as a sobering reminder of how tough sustaining a lead can be for a non-Old Firm club.
Celtic’s Resurgence Narrows the Gap
Hearts’ eight-point cushion has been eroded mainly due to Celtic’s revival under interim manager Martin O’Neill. After Brendan Rodgers resigned following the Tynecastle defeat, O’Neill guided Celtic to five consecutive league victories, closing the deficit at the top.
Meanwhile, Hearts’ form has been inconsistent. Since that October victory, they have only beaten struggling Dundee 4-0, and scoring has become an issue—they’ve netted just twice in their past four league matches.
“Hearts were always going to go through a spell where they wouldn’t win games, but they’re not losing them and that’s key,” said Sportscene pundit Scott Allan. “They are coming away from these games with a point, and they all add up.”
Manager Derek McInnes has remained level-headed throughout, refusing to overreact to either the early-season surge or the recent dip. With Celtic hosting them on Sunday and Wilfried Nancy’s first game in charge, Hearts face a crucial test that could either reignite the title race or emphasize the challenge ahead.
“Nothing is ruled out at this stage,” Allan added. “A big win at Celtic Park could have everyone talking again, but Hearts know the journey will be tough.”
Hearts may have begun the season as serious challengers, but recent weeks show the fine margins of Scottish football. Their ambitions remain alive, but reality has reminded them of the difficulty in sustaining a title push against the Old Firm dominance.
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