Heart of Midlothian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Hearts can have no complaints.

Miguel Freckelton's late header, fired beyond Alex Schwolow to seal a deserved St Mirren victory, merely underlined what had been apparent long before the final whistle.

From the opening exchanges Hearts looked off the pace. Even allowing for some admirable, at times heroic, defending after being reduced to ten men, few inside the ground could argue with the outcome of the game.

When Derek McInnes sits down to analyse this one there will be no shortage of moments to rewind, slow down and scrutinise. The decisive goal itself was born from a catalogue of errors that will irritate the Hearts manager far more than the final scoreline.

Should the initial cross that led to the corner have been blocked? Did Schwolow really need to push a ball that appeared to be drifting wide behind? Why was a six-foot-plus defender allowed to run unchallenged from the back post to the front and meet the header? And more broadly, where was the composure at the back that ultimately led to Craig Halkett's dismissal?

These questions - and several others - will be picked over forensically in the coming days. Lessons will need to be learned, and quickly.

But perspective matters. This was only Hearts' third defeat over 90 minutes all season. Offered that return last summer, anyone connected with the club would have snapped your hand off.

There is no reason for panic, no need for melodrama. Instead, there is an opportunity because next comes the perfect response game. Hibernian at Tynecastle. Under the floodlights. With scrutiny dialled all the way up and the footballing world watching.

The question will be asked loudly and repeatedly: do Hearts really have what it takes to go all the way in the Premiership title race?

We asked for your thoughts after Hearts suffered their third defeat of the season when they were beaten 1-0 by St Mirren on Tuesday night.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Calum: Worrying how we just can't seem to hack it when we set foot in Renfrewshire. Some of Derek McInnes' decisions are odd; such as starting PIerre Landry Kabore on the right when he's clearly a poacher/target man and taking off our best creative player for a centre-half. We simply cannot afford to tinker when we're at the top of the league. The derby is now an absolute must-win.

David: Three red cards in five games is not acceptable. Even before going down to 10 we looked off the pace and devoid of ideas and we were too slow to get the ball forward. Were it not for Alexander Schwolow we could have lost by a heavier margin. Two big games coming up, onwards and upwards !

Paul: Hearts having had three of their players sent off in the last five games clearly shows the pressure is now cranking up with a serious lack of real discipline creeping into the mindset of the team. It's now looking increasingly likely that this Tynecastle side's destiny is that they will be the masters of their own downfall. You have be razor focused in every match with sustainability and consistency being essential in winning any domestic league championship.

Chris: Waste of a trip to Paisley, awful performance. Bullied all over the park and St Mirren were hungrier than us and we got what we deserved, nothing.

Alan: Yet another tactical shambles by McInnes. He consistently picks the wrong team formation against St Mirren. We are missing our three best players for a crucial derby match. Tuesday night was another big crunch match that this club has failed to win, there have been many of them over the years. We have a history of shooting ourselves in the foot and it looks like we're going to do it again. Wins against Hibs and Rangers are essential now but unlikely after that abject performance. They insist on doing things the hard way.

Sjm: Same old rubbish from McInnes. Team selection and tactics, why take of Alexandros Kyziridis and keep Kabore on? Pedestrian midfield and no recognised right-back, Michael Steinwender and Stuart Findlay proving liabilities, feel sorry for Craig Halkett dropped in it by Findlay. We never at any point looked like beating the second worst team in the league who've only one one game in their last eight games. We'll win nothing under McInnes.

Leaders Hearts remain six points in front as they were beaten for only the third time in the Premiership this season, with Miguel Freckleton's 88th-minute header ending a poor run of form for St Mirren.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has no complaints about the red card but is critical of his players' approach before Craig Halkett's dismissal.

"To lose a goal from a set-play with two minutes to go is pretty galling," he told BBC Scotland. "We should deal with that, we can't have a free header in the middle of our goal. And it's harsh on us because we put so much into it.

"We came here to win and we gave up that opportunity by not playing forward. We got to the top of the league by being that team, but tonight we were guilty of not playing forward in that early part of the game.

"We needed more forward runs and passes into space."

McInnes shrugs off the notion that the absence of Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin was a factor, saying: "It's got nothing to do with that.

"We've got players who needed to play the game a bit differently today, that's all. I thought we were OK, but any problems we had were caused by ourselves.

"It's the third time in five games we're down to 10 men which gives us a mountain to climb. We were guilty of putting ourselves in a fankle, to cause the red card.

"We had two opportunities to play forward, refused to do it, and got caught on the ball unnecessarily.

"You've got to work that bit harder to try and give the lads a chance to stay in the game. We almost did it. The fact that we've been down to 10 and got winning performances previously meant they knew what needed to be done.

"No one could have denied, because of the effort we put in, that we could have earned a point tonight. But we came here to win and we gave up that opportunity to win on the back of not playing forward.

"We got to the top of the league of being that team [that played forward] and tonight, we were guilty of not doing that in the early part of the game. We needed more runs from the forward line and more passes into space, to make them think twice."

We asked for your thoughts on Hearts' business in the January transfer window.

Here are some of your comments:

Richard: The players that have come in - time will tell but on the surface they look good acquisitions. Should we have got more in? Hard to do well in January but Beni Baningime and Cameron Devlin are serious losses. Those going out - it would have been good to get one or two more off the books but that is also hard to do, contracts tend to be run down rather than ended early.

Daniel: Almost a perfect window. Another striker would've been ideal but I would feel slightly greedy to say we absolutely needed one. Some decent outgoings, I think Alan Forrest is the only one that really should've gone that didn't, 8/10.

Malky: Very happy, can't have any complaints, we've strengthened the areas we needed to on the right side, got a very capable cover for Cammy and a very exciting signing in Rogers Mato all while not affecting the camaraderie and togetherness of the squad. Another striker would've been a cherry on top but Claudio Braga and Landry Kabore showed in the last two games what they can do so we're comfortable until Lawrence Shankland comes back.

Gordon: Pleased with the good business coming in but a little disappointed James Wilson has gone on loan with option to buy, it better be a very good fee. I felt he could have stayed and collected his title medal and we might have needed him for the run-in.

Peter: Time will tell, but Hearts can be satisfied having brought in recruits who offer us good options in several positions. Marc Leonard has started very well, Jordi Altena looks to be a good fit and we are yet to see if and how Islam Chesnokov and Mato can perform for us. Ageu, our record signing earlier, can also bring us a new dimension. Hearts management can be applauded for their swift reaction to the recent injuries and our chances of winning the title have been strengthened as a result, many bridges to cross still.

Ian: I don't think Wilson would have made it at Hearts. He was far too light for a striker, he needs to put a lot of weight on as he is too easy to get the ball off.

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

When Tony Bloom said last summer that within 10 years he could see Hearts winning the title, it's clear his message was misheard. He clearly meant within 10 months.

It feels crazy that we are now into February and still top of the table, with the lead extended from four to six points thanks to Rangers' slip-up at Easter Road.

The most important thing in the January transfer window is you finish with a stronger squad than the one you went in with.

We've recruited a right-back to fill the troublesome position, two wingers in the style Derek McInnes wants and a centre midfielder who offers something different to the existing options.

The only players shipped out are fringe men, so it's been a very successful transfer window that both McInnes and sporting director Graeme Jones deserve enormous credit for.

While James Wilson joining Spurs is a move we may have regrets on longer term, the fact is he cannot make a more meaningful contribution to the first team than Lawrence Shankland, Claudio Braga and Landry Kabore.

I would have wanted to add a 'targetman' striker, but that's about seven transfer windows we've failed to recruit one.

The trip to St Mirren tonight is arguably the most important fixture so far this season. If we win, we temporarily go nine points clear of Rangers and Celtic. The pressure then immediately increases on those sides to respond.

I'm convinced one of them implodes within the next half a dozen games and it's likely to be whoever loses in the next Old Firm derby, so we must keep the momentum going until then.

Alexandros Kyziridis, Braga and Kabore are a good combination for the next few weeks while Shankland is still out injured and they can really put pressure on the St Mirren backline.

One of the many benefits McInnes has brought this season is a confidence in our away performances.

Hopefully it's third time lucky tonight in Paisley after our League Cup quarter-final defeat on penalties and fortuitous 2-2 draw in October.

Image source, SNS

• Only against Ross County (nine) and Motherwell (eight) has Hearts' Lawrence Shankland scored more Scottish Premiership goals than he has against St Mirren (seven), with the forward netting five in his past seven league appearances versus the Buddies.

• St Mirren have only lost one of their past seven Scottish Premiership games at home to Hearts (W2 D4), a 2-1 reverse in April 2024.

• Hearts have only suffered one defeat in their past eight league meetings with St Mirren (W5 D2), going down 2-1 in September 2024 in what was Steven Naismith's final game in charge of the club.

• St Mirren have only won one of their past 33 league games against opponents starting the day top of the Premiership (D4 L28), a 2-0 home win over Celtic in September 2022.

• Hearts are unbeaten in seven top-flight games played on a Tuesday (W5 D2) since a 3-1 defeat at Celtic in January 2018.

With the transfer window now shut, we want to know if you think your team have made the right moves.

League leaders Hearts signed four players - forwards Rogers Mato and Islam Chesnokov, loan midfielder Marc Leonard and full-back Jordi Altena.

Teenage striker James Wilson departed on deadline day to join Tottenham in a loan move that could become permanent, while Zander Clark and Sander Kartum have also gone out on loan.

With Hearts six points clear at the top, has their January business left the club well placed to secure the title?

Tell us your thoughts here.

Tottenham's pre-agreed summer fee for loan signing from Hearts, James Wilson, 18, is set at £2.5m. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow says his competition for a starting spot with Craig Gordon can only benefit the club as they try to stay top of the Scottish Premiership.

Schwolow has been Hearts' number one for most of the season after signing from Union Berlin in the summer, but his red card against Dundee last month opened the door for Gordon to take the gloves and the Scotland veteran excelled, particularly in the win over Dundee.

The German was disappointed that Gordon kept his place for the recent draw against Celtic, but was delighted to return to the starting XI for Saturday's win at Dundee United.

"We had an open exchange," Schwolow said when asked if he had spoken to head coach Derek McInnes about the team selection against Celtic.

"Of course I can understand the reasons and just try to be professional, try to be ready. Seven days later my professionalism got granted, so I'm very happy about that.

"You always want to play and I was very happy that the gaffer put the trust back in me.

"This situation is a little bit special. I think we're both great goalkeepers. Craig is also a club legend, so it makes it a little bit special.

"I think we both try to stay professional and it's a positive pressure, I think for both of us.

"I think on the pitch you always saw good performances from us, so that's what it's all about because it's about the team in the end."

Watch Sportscene pundit Michael Stewart discuss Harry Milne's driving influence in Derek McInnes' side and the league leaders' defensive solidity.

Image source, SNS

Hearts manager Derek McInnes is open to a loan move for forward James Wilson amid interest from Arsenal but is open to keeping the 18-year-old at Tynecastle for the rest of this season.

Wilson has scored twice in 10 Hearts appearances this term.

"There was conversation with Arsenal yesterday," McInnes told Sky Sports. "But there's been nothing since from Arsenal.

"This one was a wee bit left field. It came from Arsenal, from their development squad.

"I heard Tottenham as well but Tottenham have had no discussions with us directly."

Wilson made his first team debut two years ago and has 45 appearances and eight goals since.

"Any player's going out would have to be of a benefit to the club," added McInnes.

"He is a young player. He's been restricted with minutes this season. It's tough to get into somebody's first team at that age. He's such a good kid, he trains well. Would we see the benefit of a loan? Potentially, yes for him to go and get some minutes.

"If James is still here in the building when the window shuts, great and we just work with him as we have done to try and find the best solution for him to hopefully get in our team and play his part in the run-in."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Jack Butland (Rangers)

Made several vital stops to keep Hibs at bay in Sunday's goalless draw at Easter Road.

Paul McGinn (Motherwell)

Continues to perform heroically at centre back for free-flowing Motherwell, who beat Livingston on Saturday. Sticking him in at his more accustomed right-back spot in my team.

Robbie Deas - (Kilmarnock)

Laid a solid foundation as Kilmarnock kept Aberdeen out to earn a much needed and well-deserved win.

Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

Becoming increasingly important as the weeks roll by for Celtic after getting through the first part of the season. 83 good minutes against Falkirk and an assist for the Scotland defender.

Harry Milne (Hearts)

Continually impressive this season for Hearts. Provided the assist for the opening goal at Tannadice as Derek McInnes' side won comfortably.

Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock)

Led by example and got a goal to kickstart a superb performance. The captain showed heart and soul for the cause.

Elijah Just (Motherwell)

The New Zealand winger has been one of the discoveries and players of the season. An assist for Motherwell's first goal against Livingston. Elegance, poise and football intelligence in an abundance. A joy to watch.

Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)

Two goals to sink Livingston, 18 goals in all competitions and the top scorer in the Premiership. The Zimbabwe international has been a revelation this season.

Pierre Landry Kabore (Hearts)

Filling the Lawrence Shankland-shaped hole at the top end of the pitch and did the business away at Dundee United with a double.

Tyreece John-Jules (Kilmarnock)

All round excellent display. Held the ball up, got an assist and a goal.

Alexandros Kyziridis (Hearts)

A livewire presence for Hearts. Always looks a threat, and on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.

Image source, SNS

This season's Scottish Premiership top six could be "the best" yet in terms of quality, according to former Motherwell forward James McFadden.

Hearts lead the division, with defending champions Celtic and Rangers six points adrift and Motherwell, Hibernian and Falkirk making up the top half of the table.

"It makes the top six extremely interesting," McFadden told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Falkirk are in the driving seat at that point as well. They will be a tough opposition for anybody. The next three games, if Hearts can win, I would make them heavy favourites to win the league.

"If they can win all three games and, well, that's including beating Rangers, then it goes to nine points on Rangers.

"Rangers need to play Celtic, throw Motherwell into the equation. Hibs, you look, you know, at their performance [in the draw with Rangers].

"It'll be the best top six that we've had in this split era because so many teams have so much to play for and so many strong teams are in there."

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal are working on a deal to sign teenage striker James Wilson from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on an initial loan deal.

The 18-year-old has already been capped by Scotland and has scored eight goals in 21 starts for the Edinburgh club.

Initial discussions are over a proposed loan deal for the remainder of the season, with a view to signing the forward on a permanent basis should he impress during his time in north London.

The teenager, who has scored twice in 10 appearances for Hearts this season, is expected to compete for a spot within Arsenal's U21s side and is not considered a first team signing.

"There was conversation with Arsenal yesterday, they called and spoke to Graeme [Jones, sporting director] but there's been nothing since," Derek McInnes told Sky Sports Scotland.

There have also been rumours of Arsenal's rivals Tottenham Hotspur entering the race for Wilson, but McInnes added: "I've heard Tottenham as well but Tottenham have had no discussions with us directly."

"He's been restricted with minutes this season. It's tough to get into the first team at this age. Would we see the benefit of a loan? Yes, to get some minutes. But this one was a wee bit left-field."

Watch the best of the action as table-topping Hearts ease to a 3-0 win at Dundee United, who finish with nine men. (Available to UK users only)

We asked for your views after Premiership leaders Hearts eased to a 3-0 win at Dundee United, who finished with nine men.

Here's what some of you said:

Derek: Strong performance on an awful pitch. Really turned up and did the job from the get-go, I'm more impressed with and proud of this Hearts squad every week. Three important players out, and you'd never notice the difference. Intensity is there, teamwork is there, workrate is there, and the new signings just slot right in. Can't wait for the next game, and the next, and the next.

Chris: Was really nice just to enjoy the game as decisions went our way for once. How the referee has needed VAR for two incidents five yards from him I'll never know. Harry Milne was superb and is integral in everything good we do. We go again on Tuesday against St Mirren away, a ground we haven't won at in around 700 years it feels like.

Graham: Great team performance. Three goals and another clean sheet. Should have scored early in the second half and killed the game off. On to next game and same again.

Tam: A brilliant performance with every player giving their all. The team continues to ignore the rhetoric in some quarters, designed to unsettle us and do their talking where it matters. We have never been in a better position on and off the park and there is even more to come from this team. In previous years our injury list would have affected us badly but we have real quality just waiting for their chance and our recruitment has been spot on. A fantastic night, again!

Alan: Derek McInnes has really brought the best out in the team, the energy and tactics were spot on, everyone playing their part, no passengers and I think this togetherness will keep us pushing on to the end of the season.

Renton: Hearts have to improve on this performance if they are to stand a chance of winning the title. Too many wasted opportunities with the final ball.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Claudio Braga insists Hearts are "just taking it game by game" rather than getting caught up in any Premiership title talk.

The capital club further strengthened their position at the top of the table with a comfortable 3-0 win at Dundee United on Saturday night.

It leaves Derek McInnes' side seven points clear at the summit, having lost just two of their 24 league games.

While fans dare to dream about a first top tier championship since 1960, Braga insists Tuesday's trip to St Mirren is the players' soul focus.

"To give you a boring answer, we are just taking it game by game and the only thing we need to know now is how are we going to do against St Mirren," he said.

"We need to take care of that game rather than the rest.

"I feel we are doing our job game by game and time by time we have proved that we can be a good team, we can be a family on the pitch.

"We just cared about Dundee United today and now it has gone, now we care about St Mirren and that is it, we don't care about any other game."

Closest challengers Rangers and Celtic play on Sunday, aiming to cut into Hearts' lead.

When asked about people, outside Tynecastle, expecting the bubble to burst, Braga welcomed the "good pressure" of being out in front.

"We just need to deal with that in a good way and hopefully it doesn't burst at all," he said.

Pierre Landry Kabore's double helped Hearts sweep aside undisciplined nine-man Dundee United and move seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Read the report

Have your say on the game

Image source, SNS

Hearts boss Derek McInnes tells BBC Sportsound: "I spoke 'before the game] about how difficult the challenge was going to be.

"We had to turn up tonight and do our work well. I thought we settled and controlled the game really well, particularly with Marc Leonard.

"Once we got that first goal, a brilliant goal from Kabore, I thought we showed real authority, maturity and calmness in the game. It just felt like it was going to be our night.

"I thought we were really strong throughout. I thought we started better, imposed ourself on the game and scored good goals."