Hearts go five clear, Celtic must respond against Motherwell

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·5 October 2025

Hearts go five clear, Celtic must respond against Motherwell

Hearts lead the way on merit, they are currently five points clear of Celtic after grabbing a stoppage time winner over Hibs in the Edinburgh Derby yesterday. However it’s way too early to regard them as title contenders, remember some were saying that about Aberdeen last season too…

Hearts v Hibs, Scottish Premiership 04/10/2025. GOAL 1-0 Craig Halkett of Hearts scores the winning goal during match at Tynecastle on 4 October 2025. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/PSI

We go into today’s clash with Motherwell five points adrift of leaders Hearts, who beat Edinburgh rivals Hibs thanks to a last gasp goal at Tynecastle on Saturday evening as Hibs hibsed the Edinburgh Derby.

OneFootball Videos

That result has led to a number of Celtic supporters saying that the pressure is well and truly on ourselves to get a victory today, but aren’t we always under pressure to win, no matter the circumstances in the league standings?

Today we need to win, absolutely we do, but I can confidently say that I’m not in anyway concerned about the Gorgie side as not for a minute do I believe that they are genuine title contenders at such an early stage of th season.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Even if Celtic did drop points today, I would still fancy our chances of winning the league, and winning it with a few points to spare. Realistically it’s our Glasgow rivals below us that we need to worry about as they will soon get their act together and conjure a string of results that will put them back in contention for the title.

Some in the Scottish game have tipped the Jambos to push for or even win the title itself, even some of my fellow Celtic supporters believe Hearts are a good tip to nick our title. Tom English and the rest of the pundits on BBC Sportsound were absolutely desperate for a Hearts win yesterday so that they could pose a threat to Celtic in the title race.

Callum McGregor arrives at Celtic Park ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

All I can say to those who believe the Jambos have a genuine chance of finishing first, is have a word with yourselves. Really, do these folk follow football closely? Aberdeen are a fine example as to the challenge the men in maroon face.

This time last year the Dons were leading the way and tipped by many to end Celtic’s monopoly on the title, and we all know what happened next. The truth is that whilst Hearts have a decent side, they don’t have the squad depth, or more importantly the belief or experience needed to win the title.

Reo Hatate arrives at Celtic Park ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Tom English & Co on BBC Sportsound were saying that if Hearts can keep themselves out in front of until the turn of the year then Tony Bloom may well be encourages ti invest heavily in the squad to get them over the line. Hearts have Kilmarnock away then Celtic at Tynecastle at the end of the month, the first in four meetings against the Champions.

Today is all about Celtic doing our job as a support and a team to get the three points against Motherwell.

Scott Bain signs for Falkirk on a free transfer from Celtic. Photo Falkirk FC

Fair play to Hearts for making a good start but let’s not get too carried away about them challenging for the title over the course of the season. They may well look at their lead over theRangers who have pressure of their own today away at Falkirk, and reckon that their chances of splitting the two Glasgow sides is certainly a realistic objective. Winning the title though is something Hearts fans can dream about all they want but there’s a long way to go.

Celtic must cut the gap to two points this afternoon. No excuses.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Danny McGrain, David Potter & Willie Fernie – what a combination!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now, order your copy at Celticstarbooks.com

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has signed the remaining batch of Celtic in the Eighties so hurry to get your signed book!

Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny PLUS a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last,.

Celtic 3-0 St Mirren, Scottish Premier League, Celtic Park, 15 May 1982.Celtic captain Danny McGrain collects the championship trophy as Roy Aitken looks on. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Please note that postage will only be charged on ONE book.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.