Hearts Ignite Comeback to Edge Closer to First League Title in 66 Years, While Celtic Maintain Pressure

The Jambos managed to hold onto their slim lead in the battle for the Scottish Premiership, even after conceding an early second-half goal at Tynecastle.

Defending champions Celtic remain three points adrift following a hard-fought 1-0 win against St. Mirren, while Rangers now sit four points behind but have a match in hand away to Falkirk on Sunday.

Hearts have been at the top for most of the season, aiming to become the first team outside of Celtic and Rangers to clinch the title in 41 years.

Although their advantage has diminished recently due to a four-match winless run away from home, their impressive form at Tynecastle has them in pole position as they approach the final five games of the season, where the league will split and the top six teams will compete for the championship.

Emmanuel Longelo’s goal five minutes into the second half had Motherwell looking likely to inflict a defeat on Hearts at home for the first time this season, but Claudio Braga’s acrobatic overhead kick equalised shortly after the hour mark.

Captain Lawrence Shankland showed composure to convert a penalty in the 87th minute after on-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh fouled Landry Kabore, who then capped off the win with a goal in stoppage time.

Celtic are still in contention for a 14th title in 15 years despite inconsistent performances.

Former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted the decisive goal as Martin O’Neill’s side narrowly defeated relegation-threatened St. Mirren.

Celtic will enjoy home advantage against both Rangers and Hearts in the post-split fixtures and are well aware that winning their remaining five matches will almost guarantee them retaining the title.