‘Good on them for being excited’ – should Hearts fans dare to dream of title?

What happens now that a 91st-minute Edinburgh Derby winner has sparked a euphoric home crowd’s chorus of “we shall not be moved” at a rocking Tynecastle?

All we’re trying to do is win games, McInnes said, adding that his unbeaten side are now five points clear. “You have to accept and understand from a professional standpoint.

“But why shouldn’t the fans be stoked?” And congratulations on that. That’s the job of a fan, after all.

The owner of Brighton, who many criticized, made the comments, but with Rangers in turmoil and Celtic yet to hit top gear, that bold assessment seems to be getting more realistic.

On Sunday, both Old Firm clubs will play their matches in hand over Hearts, but Russell Martin’s men are already 12 points adrift, while the reigning champions are currently five points clear.

Some have, however, attributed the positivity that is evoking at Tynecastle to Aberdeen’s collapse last term.

Jimmy Thelin’s side won 10 of their first 11 league games before going 12 points clear of Rangers, who finished the campaign 22 ahead of the Dons.

Former Rangers and Hibernian midfielder Kevin Thomson says Hearts fans have every right to be enthralled despite a stunning season opener like McInnes.

On BBC Sportsound, Thomson said, “The Hearts fans should be excited and get carried away.” They are also dancing and singing. We are fans of football because of this.

Can Hearts keep beating the rest, asks the question? Nobody can deny how challenging winning a lot of games on the bounce is. It’s a challenging question.

When Craig Halkett appeared at the back post in stoppage time and delivered an excellent finish, McInnes described Tynecastle as “berserk.”

Even that is mildly offensive.

The dramatic winner at centre-back makes this Hearts’ third Premiership victory after the 90th minute this season.

McInnes was quick to applaud his side’s mentality, but a rejuvenated Halkett has epitomized Hearts’ character in their unbeaten league debut following a number of injuries over the past few seasons.

Halkett returned toward the end of 2024 after only making 11 appearances during the campaign from 2023 to 2024 before a hamstring issue at the end of January.

The defender has played a significant role in Hearts’ first seven league games this season, contributing to three straight clean sheets in the previous three victories and adding goals in the previous two. He has featured in all but 45 minutes of action in all but 45 minutes of that period.

McInnes praised the center-half for his “excellent” performance in the derby victory, while Ryan Stevenson, a former Hearts forward, praised Craig Halkett’s performance.

“He looked brand-new all the way through his tough season last year. You would expect Lawrence Shankland to finish that way.