How Hearts can close gap to Celtic & Rangers, Dundee United dilemma, Haring back to best, Siegrist fallibility

A look back at Hearts’ 3-2 win over Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday.

Bridging the gap

There is no team in a league of their own in the Scottish Premiership quite like Hearts after their 3-2 success over Dundee United on Sunday. The three points took them 19 clear of Dundee United in fourth and left them 19 behind second-place Rangers. There will be many within the Tynecastle Park support looking at solidifying that ‘third force’ position ahead of rivals Aberdeen and Hibs in the coming years. After all, it is 18 years since Hearts finished in the top three in consecutive seasons.

However, Robbie Neilson and sporting director Joe Savage won’t be content with looking over their shoulder but upwards, getting closer to the Old Firm. European qualification and the benefits which that brings of at least eight games next campaign can be looked at two ways. One, those added games could see the league form suffer. Or two, the income which comes with that should allow more investment to build a bigger, more competitive side.

A simple look at the table shows what Hearts need to do to get closer. Win more away games. Hearts have won 36 points at home, compared to 44 and 40 for Celtic and Rangers. Away from home there have been just six league wins and 24 points won. It is 41 points and 39 points for Celtic and Rangers respectively.

Siegrist's fallibility

Benjamin Siegrist is a very good goalkeeper. In fact, he has been one of the best in Scotland across the past couple of seasons. According to football analysis website Wyscout, no goalkeeper has prevented more goals in the Premiership over the last two campaigns than Dundee United’s Swiss star.

He is a great size for a goalkeeper, has real presence and the athleticism and