Are 'magnificent' Hearts now on course for top six?
2025-02-02
Category: sports

Chief executive Andrew McKinlay raised a few eyebrows in early December when he adamantly stated Hearts would finish in the Scottish Premiership's top six.At the time, they were bottom of the division, having taken 10 points from their first 15 matches, and trailed sixth-placed St Mirren by eight points.The Tynecastle side, who finished third last term, had sacked Steven Naismith as head coach in September following a run of eight successive defeats. His replacement, Neil Critchley, had won three of 10 in all competitions.It wasn't looking great and McKinlay's blithe confidence appeared more than a little misplaced. And yet... Since the turn of the year, Hearts have won four of their five league matches, the highlight being Saturday's 6-0 scudding of Dundee.They are just a point off the top six and, while not infallible, they have the look of a side on an upward curve.
What do the numbers tell us?
Albeit the sample size is relatively small, the contrast between Hearts pre-January and post in the league is stark.Of the 20 games before new year, they won four - the same amount they have won in the five since 2025 began. They have scored 2.2 goals a game in recent weeks, compared to 1.15 in the opening half of the campaign.And their rate of concession is just as eye-catching, with Critchley's team losing 0.4 goals per game this year, compared to 1.55 in the first 20 games.Add in the fact they are facing fewer shots, and converting more of their own and a picture of significant improvement becomes clear.
What did the manager say?
Head coach Critchley praised his side for being "clinical" on the break at Dens, as well as looking resolute defensively.Dundee, it should be said, were abject, but Hearts' attacking threat contributed to such fecklessness.Central to that was the return of the talismanic Lawrence Shankland. The Scotland international had only scored four all season, having netted 31 last term, and missed most of Hearts' January fixtures before returning last weekend.However, it was his instinctive finish that started the rout on Saturday and his all-round play added real cohesion to his side in the final third. His partnership with Elton Kabangu also looks to have promise, with the Belgian scoring twice. "Lawrence has looked like the real deal in training," Critchley said. "Maybe he just needed that little break to freshen himself up physically and mentally. "And Elton is a brilliant person to have around every day. He is so positive. Brilliant with his team-mates, a humble guy, and a constant threat. He wants to score goals."
What about the pundits?
Former Hearts midfielder Allan Preston: "This was Hearts' best performance of the season, and probably for a number of years. Total domination. "They could have scored more. Critchey won't get a better performance from any Hearts team while he is head coach. It was exceptional."Kabangu gives Hearts a bit of directness up front, which allows Shankland to play a little bit deeper. That's what Hearts have needed all season â two up front, one with pace and Shankland dropping off. Now they have a real threat in attack."Former Scotland international Julie Fleeting: "You can see the quality Critchley has brought in. That is what he will be judged on."This afternoon was their best performance since he's taking over. From the first whistle, there was no doubt that they were going to get three points. And it was just a matter of what the scoreline was going to be. It was extremely convincing."They are now just one point off the top six. They don't look like they are going to put their foot on the brake, this will only give them more momentum."
Have your say
What do you make of Hearts' form in 2025?Is the top six now within their grasp? Or do they need to strengthen further this month?Let us know here, external