Hearts underlined their credentials as genuine Scottish Premiership title contenders with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rangers at Tynecastle Park on Sunday, maintaining a six-point cushion over Celtic at the summit.
Celtic had earlier ramped up the pressure with a 3-1 win against Aberdeen, but Hearts delivered the perfect response in front of a raucous home crowd.
Stuart Findlay broke the deadlock on 38 minutes, rising highest to head Derek McInnes’ side into the lead. Lawrence Shankland doubled the advantage just before the interval, squeezing a finish from a tight angle in the 42nd minute.
Rangers rallied late, with Youssef Chermiti pulling one back in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late to prevent their first away league defeat in over a year.
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The result continues Hearts’ remarkable dominance over the Old Firm this season. McInnes’ men have now beaten Rangers twice and Celtic twice, a feat that has propelled them into the thick of the title race.
McInnes, however, insists there is still room for improvement. “I certainly hope we can make this a special season,” he said.
“People keep saying we’re top because others aren’t at their best, but our points tally is exactly where a league leader should be. I think there’s more wins in us—I expect us to get better as we go along.”
Shankland echoed that sentiment, admitting the intensity of the campaign is something the squad is embracing.
“It feels like every week is a massive game now, and we’re relishing that challenge,” he said.
“We’re in a good place, heading into the derby confident. It’s a good pressure to have, and the boys are thriving.”
Next up for Hearts is a short trip across Edinburgh for Saturday’s derby against fifth-placed Hibs—a clash fans can watch live on SPOTV NOW. With momentum firmly on their side, McInnes’ men will look to keep their title dream alive.
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