Six points clear but still ‘more to come’ from Hearts

At a nervy Tynecastle, they struggled at times in the second period after dominating Livingston in the first half with just one goal from Craig Halkett.

However, they managed to win the title between Celtic and Rangers, who have been battling them for 40 years, with a crucial three points.

Although things have been going well, McInnes has put the pressure on his team to improve from their 12 victories and two losses this season.

The Hearts head coach told BBC Scotland, “I’ve said there is more to come from us.”

We don’t let other people’s actions or actions deceive us, and our fight starts with ourselves.

whether or not they believe we are capable. We have a strong sense of accomplishment and winning chances. However, today provides another illustration of how difficult every game is.

McInnes is confident that Hearts’ success in the winter transfer market has contributed to this.

Right-back has been a difficult position for many years, and Waalwijk’s early signing of Dutchman Jordi Altena gave him the opportunity to make his 2026 debut.

Halkett scored the winner with his superb cross from deep, and he added two more chances in a promising attacking performance.

Although there is only one game, Hearts has immediately become more balanced with a natural right-back who can play that side.

It was a lovely cross for Halkett, McInnes continued. He “had some good moments,” and we “tried to play him higher on that side and get plays,” and he held his position admirably.

Islam Chesnokov, a Kazakh winger, will feature on the right when he finally arrives in Edinburgh following a lengthy transfer saga.

Given Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics’ double-figure goalscoring record, the 26-year-old could have an immediate impact given his dual season in his homeland.

There are also rumors about a new striker, while Pierre Landry Kabore is still on international duty, and there are reports of improvement from club members.

In the second half, Hearts’ composure, according to McInnes, was less positive when they faced Livingston.

“We looked like a team who deserved to be the top of the league,” McInnes told BBC Scotland.

Some of our plays were brilliant and spontaneous.

However, it serves as a reminder to the players that every rush of a pass, every missed chance, and every second goal that is not scored are consequences.

In the second half, we never appeared content. We did have a few more moments, but they appeared a little rushed. However, in fairness to the players, the Kilmarnock game may have a memory in their heads. Is one sufficient? One suffices, sometimes.

The second half would have helped me a little more, I thought. However, winning is what makes professional footballers enjoy it.

McInnes is correct. Just enough grit and resolve to win the game.

Tete Yengi was largely a spectator for the majority of the second half, so they battled it out with goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who made three strong saves.

On BBC Scotland’s Sportsound program, Michael Stewart brought the distinction between his former team and Celtic into focus.

He said, “Hearts were outstanding in the first half, and they should have been 4-4-0 up.”

They feel nervous in the second half, but it is true. The goalkeeper makes significant saves as they defend their box and block bodies.

When a little pressure is applied to them in the second half [against Rangers], Celtic capitulates.

They “are everywhere in the store,” he says, “They have no character, no identity. The complete opposite of Hearts, in my opinion.

Hearts’ next two league games are against bottom-half sides Dundee and St Mirren, and given the tumult at Parkhead, McInnes and his team have a chance to really turn the tables in the title race.

There will be no fear of the Ibrox side given that Rangers are slowly gaining momentum under Danny Rohl, but Hearts have already defeated them twice this season.