Have We Overhyped Hearts Too Soon?

Hearts, who once held an impressive eight-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, have seen their advantage evaporate in just over a month, raising questions about their title challenge. Following a strong start to the season, including a significant win against Celtic, Hearts now find themselves level on points with the reigning champions, who have a game in hand. With a crucial match against Celtic looming, the team's recent form will be under scrutiny as they aim to reignite their title hopes.

Last updated: 03 December 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scottish Premiership landscape has shifted dramatically for Hearts in recent weeks. After a stunning 3-1 victory over Celtic, they appeared to be cruising towards a title challenge. However, six games without a win have left them vulnerable, especially with Celtic breathing down their necks. The upcoming match at Celtic Park is critical for Hearts, as a victory could restore confidence and optimism in their title bid. Yet, the pressure is mounting, and the team must address their recent struggles to remain competitive.

Key takeaways

• Hearts' eight-point lead at the top has disappeared due to poor form.
• They are now level on points with Celtic, who have a game in hand.
• Hearts have only one win in their last six matches, raising concerns among fans.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of Hearts this season has been tumultuous. Below is a brief timeline capturing key events:

• 1 October 2025: Hearts defeat Celtic 3-1 at Tynecastle, establishing an eight-point lead.
• 1 November 2025: Hearts' last victory, a commanding 4-0 win over Dundee.
• 3 December 2025: Draw against Kilmarnock, marking their fourth draw in six matches and raising concerns about their title ambitions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent performances have seen Hearts struggle to find the back of the net, scoring only twice in their last four matches. The upcoming clash against Celtic is critical, particularly as Celtic have found their form under interim manager Martin O'Neill, who has led them to five straight league victories.

What was already established

Hearts had established themselves as serious title contenders with a solid start to the season, highlighted by their victory over Celtic. However, the team's inability to secure wins in recent matches has exposed vulnerabilities that could jeopardise their title challenge.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Hearts' decline in form could impact local businesses and fans, particularly those who rely on matchday revenue. Increased pressure on the team may affect ticket sales and local economies around Tynecastle and beyond.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses that thrive on matchday activity could see a downturn if Hearts' performances do not improve. Additionally, job security for staff related to the club could be affected if the club does not meet its financial goals.

Policy and regulation

Football governance remains a hot topic in the UK, with discussions around financial fair play and club ownership. Hearts' situation could spark further debate about the sustainability of clubs outside the traditional Old Firm dominance.

Numbers that matter

• 8 points: The lead Hearts once enjoyed over Celtic at the beginning of November.
• 1 win: Hearts have secured only one victory in their last six matches.
• 2 goals: The total number of goals scored by Hearts in their last four games.
• 5 straight wins: The number of consecutive league wins Celtic achieved under interim manager Martin O'Neill.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Scottish Premiership: The top division of professional football in Scotland.
• Old Firm: The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, the two most successful clubs in Scottish football history.
• Interim manager: A temporary manager appointed to lead a team until a permanent replacement is found.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Hearts must focus on regaining their winning form, especially with a crucial match against Celtic on the horizon. Securing points in upcoming fixtures is vital to maintain their position at the top of the league.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Should Hearts fail to turn their form around, they may risk falling out of the title race. Consistency will be key as they navigate through the festive period and into the new year.

Signals to watch

• Performance against Celtic: A win or loss could determine the team's morale moving forward.
• Fan engagement: Attendance and support levels at matches may reflect fan sentiment regarding the team's prospects.
• Player injuries: Key injuries could impact the squad depth and overall performance.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support the team during matches, as morale can affect performance.
• Stay informed about team updates and player conditions.
• Engage with local businesses that benefit from matchday activities.

Don’t

• Write off the team completely; their season can still turn around.
• Neglect the importance of fan support during challenging times.
• Overreact to individual match results; the season is long.

Checklist

• Check the upcoming fixtures for Hearts and assess their difficulty.
• Monitor player form and injuries to key squad members.
• Engage with fan groups for insights and support initiatives.
• Stay updated on managerial decisions and their potential impact.
• Evaluate local business offerings related to matchdays.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The current volatility in Hearts' form raises questions about their long-term prospects in the league. Uncertainties regarding player fitness, managerial stability, and the impact of external pressures from fans and media could significantly affect their campaign. The unpredictability of football means that anything can change rapidly, especially in a competitive league like the Scottish Premiership.

Bottom line

The past month has been a reality check for Hearts, whose title challenge now hangs by a thread. The upcoming match against Celtic is crucial for their ambitions, and they must find a way to regain their early-season form. While challenges remain, the season is far from over, and with the right results, Hearts can still make a compelling case for their title aspirations.

FAQs

What does Hearts need to do to regain their title challenge?

Hearts must focus on winning their upcoming matches, especially against Celtic, to regain momentum and confidence in their title challenge.

How has Celtic's form changed recently?

Celtic has shown improved form under interim manager Martin O'Neill, achieving five consecutive league wins to close the gap at the top of the league.

Can Hearts still win the Scottish Premiership?

While their recent form raises concerns, Hearts are still in a strong position at the top of the league and can win the title if they can turn around their current performance.