Hearts held an eight-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, but that advantage has diminished as the season has unfolded. The early momentum faded as results swung in the opposite direction, reducing the gap and altering expectations.
Several factors contributed to the setback:
Fans and analysts questioned whether the early surge created unrealistic optimism. Clubs in the title race benefited from Hearts' downturn, reshaping the competitive landscape and focusing attention on endurance rather than initial pace.
"The early surge gave fans high hopes, but football is a long run, not a sprint." (paraphrase)
The club faces the challenge of stabilizing performances, restoring confidence, and rebuilding momentum for a sustained push in the final months of the campaign.