Derek McInnes mentioned league leaders Hearts stay in a “strong position” regardless of lacking the chance to maneuver three factors clear on the high of the desk with their 2-2 draw at backside aspect Livingston.
The hole between the highest three was decreased to 3 factors with Celtic’s late 2-1 win at Dundee afterward Sunday, after second-placed Rangers had made onerous work of seeing off Dundee United at Ibrox on Saturday to briefly high the desk for the primary time in two years.
Hearts’ future stays in their very own fingers with six video games left of the season, and face Motherwell subsequent weekend of their final sport earlier than the break up.
McInnes’ aspect loved far bigger leads earlier within the season however after dropping factors for the second away sport in a row, he insisted the membership nonetheless has a superb likelihood of lifting a primary top-fight title in 66 years.
“We’re still in a strong position,” he mentioned after their draw at Livingston. “We’ve now got three games at home of the last six, but there’s no doubting that the next time we go away from home, we’re going to have to make sure we defend a lot better than we did today.”
Celtic’s hopes of profitable the league for the fifth 12 months in a row appeared to be in tatters after a 2-0 defeat at Dundee United earlier than the worldwide break, however Kelechi Ineahacho’s winner at Dens Park lifted them again three factors off the highest – with each of their title rivals to play within the remaining weeks of the season.
The Hoops’ afternoon ought to have been a lot simpler however for a variety of missed probabilities with Czech ahead Tomas Cvancara significantly culpable of failing to construct on Hyun-Jun Wang’s early opener.
O’Neill singled out his aspect’s profligacy in entrance of purpose as the largest hurdle on their title cost.
“It’s going to be as simple as this – we will, obviously, create chances. It’s a matter of taking them and then defending strongly,” he advised Sky Sports activities after Sunday’s victory.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Martin O’Neill displays on Celtic’s victory over Dundee and the way vital the win is of their title problem
“You can have all the midfield play you want, but at the end of the day we will have to take our chances.
“We can not afford to undergo one other half like this 12 months, miss the variety of probabilities we have now then anticipate it to work out for us.”
Danny Rohl urged his aspect to “remain the hunter” after they briefly reached the Premiership summit on Saturday, for the primary time since February 2024.
The German was left shocked to listen to Rangers had not topped the desk in so lengthy however re-affirmed that the Gers had achieved “nothing” with six video games remaining.
“I was really surprised that this is the first time we’ve been top in two years,” he mentioned. “However an important factor is that we nonetheless have the precise mindset.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Dundee United
“We have to stay as the hunter. We have to be on the front foot and if we win six games then we will have something at the end of the season.
“I’m actually satisfied that my gamers have the potential to do that. However there’s nonetheless an extended technique to go and it is no secret that subsequent week away to Falkirk is a really tough sport.
“We will take things step by step, but we had nine ‘finals’ and we have won the first three of them. That gives us a good feeling, but nothing more. We have to be humble and ready for the next fight.”
McFadden: Inconceivable to foretell title race
Former Scotland and Motherwell striker James McFadden advised Sky Sports activities it was inconceivable to foretell the title race regardless of Hearts main for all however at some point since late September – with every of the highest three having dropped a minimum of 4 factors within the final 5 video games.
“You’re looking at Hearts, expecting them to win comfortably at Livingston,” he mentioned. “They’re in a great position, they get pegged back and draw the game.
“Rangers, individuals anticipate them to win at Ibrox. Celtic, you were not positive whether or not you had been going to get a efficiency or purely a outcome. You bought the outcome and there have been good components of the efficiency, there’s nonetheless issues to enhance upon.
“It just shows you that you still don’t know. You could make a prediction every week and get it wrong.”
