Derek McInnes has dragged Celtic into the title conversation again as the run-in begins to take shape.
The Hearts manager is watching the champions close in, with just two points now separating the sides at the top.
That has been the story across the league.
No side has managed to build real momentum, and McInnes pointed to that after his team slipped up at Kilmarnock. He said (Sky Sports):
“I think when you look at the teams round about us, out the last five games, we’ve won three out of five, I think Celtic have won three, Motherwell have won three, I think Rangers are two out of five. So nobody is really catching fire and winning the games.
“I think it shows you the difficulty for so many teams. So every game has brought difficulties and challenges.
“We are the underdog.”
It is a fair read on where things stand.
Celtic have not hit top gear for any sustained period, but neither has anyone else. That is why the gap is so small heading into the final stretch.
Hearts have spent most of the season out in front. That brings its own pressure, especially for a group not used to being hunted in a title race this late.
Celtic, on the other hand, live in this space. They have been here time and again. Different squads, different managers, same demand.
Eight games remain, and the margin for error is gone.
Hearts can call themselves underdogs if they like. It does not change the reality of the position they are in.
Celtic will look at this and see an opportunity. The title is there if they go and take it.
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One Response
I would think any of the top 4 teams have a chance of winning this leauge so there is pressure on all of them not to slip up. I think the next 2 or 3 games we may see a different team on the top of leauge hoping it is celtic but anything can happen.