"Excited Heart of Midlothian fans might view that as downplaying their chances considering Saturday's 3-0 win in Kilmarnock lifted Derek McInnes' side five points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership. But, while the former Kilmarnock boss himself insisted "no-one is getting carried away" with thoughts of challenging for the title, one of his predecessors as head coach, Steven Naismith, was at least willing to go as far as to suggest they could split the Old Firm."
"Celtic will be favourites to narrow the gap again after they visit struggling Dundee on Sunday, but what Hearts' victory at Rugby Park has done is ensure they will go into their next game, which happens to be at home to the reigning champions, at least two points clear. Combined with managerless Rangers being held to a draw at home to Dundee United, it also means Hearts are already 13 points ahead of the side who would have been expected to be Celtic's main challengers."
"Bolstered by investment from Tony Bloom and the Brighton & Hove Albion owner's football analytics division, McInnes was able to overhaul the squad inherited from Neil Critchley and the results are stark. They have won 11 of their 13 games in all competitions this season, their only defeat coming after a penalty shoot-out against St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup. With 19 goals in eight league games, Hearts have scored five more goals than the next most prolific side, Dundee United."
Heart of Midlothian sit five points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a 3-0 win at Kilmarnock. Derek McInnes' side have won 11 of 13 matches in all competitions, with their only defeat coming in a penalty shoot-out against St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup. Investment from Tony Bloom and Brighton's analytics division enabled a squad overhaul following Neil Critchley's tenure. Hearts have 19 goals in eight league games, the highest number of attempts and on-target shots, and the league's best conversion rate. Claudio Braga scored a double against Kilmarnock.
Read at www.bbc.com
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