Hearts' Title Aspirations Grow After Dramatic Derby Win
Four days ago, head coach Derek McInnes remarked that it would be "foolish" to consider Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts as title contenders after just six matches.
However, following a thrilling 91st-minute winner in the Edinburgh derby, the atmosphere at Tynecastle was electric, with fans singing, "We shall not be moved."
McInnes, whose unbeaten side now sits five points clear at the top of the league, stated, "From a professional standpoint, our goal is to win games. But why shouldn't the fans be excited? They have every right to celebrate, and it is our responsibility to keep that excitement alive."
He continued, "Hope can quickly fade, but there is a lot of positive energy surrounding the team right now, and it's our job to sustain that momentum."
If I Were a Hearts Fan, I'd Be Excited
The optimism in Gorgie has been well-documented, especially following a £10 million investment from Tony Bloom, who confidently stated that Hearts are poised to challenge for second place this season.
While some dismissed Bloom's comments, the reality of the situation is becoming clearer as Rangers struggle and Celtic have yet to find their rhythm. Both Old Firm clubs will play their games in hand against Hearts on Sunday, but Russell Martin's team is already 12 points behind the leaders, and the reigning champions face a five-point deficit.
Despite this, some critics have pointed to Aberdeen's collapse last season as a reason to temper enthusiasm at Tynecastle. Aberdeen won 10 of their first 11 league games and led Rangers by 12 points at one point, only to finish the season 22 points behind.
Nevertheless, like McInnes, former Rangers and Hibernian midfielder Kevin Thomson believes that Hearts fans have every reason to be optimistic about their team's impressive start. "Hearts fans should absolutely be excited and allow themselves to get carried away," Thomson said on BBC Sportsound. "They're singing and dancing, and that's what being a football fan is all about. Can Hearts keep winning? It’s tough to maintain that momentum, but if I were a Hearts fan, I would feel hopeful and enthusiastic just like everyone else."
Halkett's Rejuvenation Exemplifies Hearts' Strong Start
McInnes described the atmosphere at Tynecastle as "berserk" when Craig Halkett scored a brilliant finish at the back post during stoppage time.
This marked the third time this season that Hearts have secured a Premiership victory after the 90th minute, prompting McInnes to commend his team's mentality. Halkett, having battled injury issues in previous seasons, has become a key figure in Hearts' unbeaten league run.
Returning in late 2024, Halkett had only made 11 appearances in the 2023-24 season before suffering a hamstring injury. This season, he has played a crucial role in all but 45 minutes of Hearts' first seven league matches, contributing to three consecutive clean sheets and scoring in the last two games.
McInnes praised Halkett for his "proper performance" in the derby, while former Hearts forward Ryan Stevenson remarked, "What a finish from Craig. He endured a challenging season last year and now looks like a completely different player. That finish was something we would expect from Lawrence Shankland. To show such composure in the dying moments of a derby is remarkable. That’s the beauty of football."