Hearts stumble again as Celtic pressure nears breaking point after Kilmarnock sucker punch – 5 talking points

The Jambos remain top of the Premiership on goal difference after a heartbreaking late leveller at Tynecastle

(Image: SNS Group)

Bruce Anderson struck an injury time leveller for Kilmarnock as faltering Hearts failed to hand Queen of Hearts Ann Budge a parting gift victory. The Jambos looked on course for a much-needed win heading into Sunday’s top of the table clash with Celtic as Lawrence Shankland’s 49th minute goal separated the sides.

But Alexander Schwolow failed to hold onto a Liam Polworth piledriver – and Anderson nipped in to strike a blow which sees the Jambos caught on 32 points by the Hoops ahead of Sunday’s showdown. It was a cruel end for Budge who will step down after 11 years as chairman at today’s AGM.

But wasteful Hearts can’t complain. Worryingly they’ve now allowed an eight-point lead over Celtic disappear in a six0-game sequence that’s brought just one win. Shankland’s attempted dink from Kabore’s lay off was easily saved by Tobi Oluwayemi after 15 minutes.

Pierre Landry Kabore was then an inch from converting Borchgrevink’s cross on the half hour. But Kilmarnock served a warning when James Brown could only bundle Alexander Schwolow’s parry wide from four yards soon after.

Hearts took heed. And they stormed ahead four minutes after the break when Kabore dummied Tomas Magnusson’s pass to allow Shankland to steam into the box and this time the skipper lifted his effort over Oluwayemi into the top corner for his 11th Jambos goal of the season.

Magnusson’s header cracked the post as Hearts looked for a cushion and McInnes gave the punters what they wanted as Claudio Braga was introduced with 25 minutes to go.

But Killie sub Marcus Dackers cracking the crossbar with header was another notice that this game was far from dead.And Schwolow’s failed attempt to hold Liam Polworth’s piledriver allowed Anderson to tap home a 90th minute note leveller.

Killie survived a late handball scare in the box when Dom Thompson appeared to handle. But John Beaton waved play ion and the Ayrshiremen left with a point.

In a Jam?

Bubble burst? It may be a bit early but recent results have certainly dropped off a cliff for Hearts – as has their potency in front of goal. No wins in four and the free flowing flashy stuff of the early season has been replaced by forced efforts and untidy finishing. While Shankland’s 11th goal of the season looked to have been enough for three points here the Jambos were made to pay for sloppy stuff in front of goal as Killie nicked a point at the death. And the Ayrshiremen deserved it for their refusal to give up.

The Kilmarnock players celebrate as Bruce Anderson scores to make it 1-1 vs Hearts(Image: SNS Group)

Hearts will be kicking themselves for relinquishing top spot and seeing an eight-point lead disappear McInnes made five changes with key men Braga, Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley, Blair Spittal and Oisin McEntee dropping to the bench. Kabore joined Shankland in attack with Frankie Kent, Christian Borchgrevink, Alan Forrest and Tomas Magnusson also elevated from the bench. But the freshness failed to bring the desired three points.

Killie compact

Two draws in a row now for Killie – and they deserved it for their workmate alone. It’s another step towards recovery for Stuart Kettlewell’s side who had been rocked by six defeats in a row before Saturday’s share of the points with Dundee United. They were compact, organised, defended their box resolutely and dealt with a barrage of crosses into their box. With a bit more composure in front of goal they could have sneaked the win and were unlucky to see Marcus Dackders crack the bar. Killie have stopped the bleeding and with Rangers up at home next Kettlewell will be eyeing the type of statement win that could ignite their season.

That’s Kabore

All action Pierre Landry Kabore certainly likes to get involved – even if the final product isn’t always what he desired. The Burkina Faso international was a bundle of energy beside Shankland and is increasingly looking the part. The finishing touch might not quite be there but his touch, movement and link-up was impressive, as was his dummy to allow Shankland to bury the opener. He was a toe nail away from converting a Borchgrevink cross on the half hour and while Kabore might still be a work in progress the signs are positive as another option up top before he was replaced by Braga on 65 minutes.

Parkhead

It’s hard to believe it’s only been five weeks since Hearts dumped Celtic in Gorgie to storm eight points clear at the top.

Since then the wheels have come off the Jambos wagon with one win in the last six games. While they’ve struggled Celtic have picked up big time under Martin O’Neill and look every inch the champions again.

It’s neck and neck now heading into Sunday’s showdown, Should McInnes’ side rain on Wilfried Nancy’s Parkhead parade on Sunday then doubts over bubbles bursting will be answered. But they’re going to need to find their shooting boots. And get key men such as Alxandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga back on form.

Budge over

Ann Budge was the cover girl on the matchday programme with a heartfelt ‘Thank You Ann’ emblazoned across her image. The chairwoman brought down her 11-year reign since rescuing the club from administration and was the focus of a lengthy pre-match feature on Tynecastle’s big screens as well as a presentation from McInnes. But the result on the park is the gift she would have craved as she returns to bring a regular punter. It wasn’t to be. But her club still sit top of the table. A fitting end for the Queen of Hearts