Under head coach Derek McInnes, Hearts were one of the early-season storylines in Scotland. Now, they too are having a hard time keeping up that past momentum. The team came flying out of the gate, winning 10 of their first 11 games. Now they find themselves on the wrong side of a sad stretch, having gotten just one victory in their past four matches. This decline has raised questions about the team’s performance, especially as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against Motherwell and Kilmarnock before facing Celtic at Celtic Park on December 7.
Despite a strong beginning to the season, Hearts’ fortunes took a turn when they suffered an unexpected defeat against Aberdeen, which ended their unbeaten run in the Premiership. After enduring a 14-game winless streak, the team was able to turn things around and end the 2022–2023 season in fifth place in the league. It’s no wonder that this recent downturn has caused emotional concern among both local analysts and fans over whether or not the Wizards can find their way back.
Injury Concerns and Struggling Offense
Hearts’ last two performances have faltered on the crux of one important absence. Their leading scorer and captain, Lawrence Shankland, is out with injury. His absence is being felt especially the latter, as the team can’t turn chances into goals. In their most recent match against St. Mirren, new signing from Celtic, Johnny Kenny, showed his powers by netting in the last two top-flight matches already. Yet, he and Daizen Maeda were unable to find success penetrating St. Mirren’s back line, specifically Alex Gogic.
Kris Boyd pointed out the team’s offensive struggles, stating, “It just wasn’t to be for Hearts in front of goal.” That same feeling has been expressed by ex pro Chris Sutton who wrote about the club’s situation as it stands. “For Hearts, you maybe start to be a little bit worried,” he noted, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding the team’s ability to secure wins in crucial matches.
McInnes Remains Optimistic
Even after such bad fortunes recently, manager Derek McInnes has every reason to feel hopeful about his crew’s capacity to bounce back. He reflected on the lessons learned from losing a match, saying, “Sometimes you learn about your squad and you learn about your team when you lose a game.” McInnes was adamant that the players know what they need to do better.
The players understand what we should have done differently,” he said. “I know it’s there. I know the quality’s there. All I need is to help them bring out the work ethics and the motivation I know is there. This decision may prove to be a fateful one, with Hearts set to play two home games in a row before heading out to face Celtic.
In his remarks about the upcoming games, McInnes concluded with a hopeful note: “We look forward to going again next week.” His insistence on looking ahead indicates that he knows, deep down, that the team can still tap into their hot start.
Standing in the League
At the present moment Hearts sit fourth in the Premiership table, behind Hibernian on goal difference. Of course the competition is mighty, with clubs such as Celtic and Rangers having had significant success over the last few weeks. Hearts hopes to get back to their winning ways. They’ll have to continue to earn some results in their future matches and address their obvious shortfalls thus far.
The next fixtures against Motherwell and Kilmarnock present an opportunity for Hearts to build momentum and restore confidence among players and supporters alike. With Shankland on the sidelines and other key players struggling with form, how effectively McInnes can rally his team will determine whether Hearts can return to their winning ways or if concerns will continue to mount.
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