Hearts’ performance against Rangers yesterday left a lot to be desired ahead of the Scottish Cup final.
Rangers demolished the Jambos 3-1 in their own backyard yesterday afternoon. It delayed the title party until next Saturday’s home game against Kilmarnock at the earliest. It also, if truth be told, puts a little bit of pressure on the Bhoys today to put in a good performance at Hibs and not become too enamored with some late-season drama.
But, if you’re like myself, I was hoping Hearts got something yesterday. Sections of the supporters will want the title wrapped up as soon as possible. But there will, of course, be plenty who would rather it was won at Parkhead in front of a full house next week.
Yet, for those of us who wanted it done today, yesterday was disappointing. Hearts offered next to no resistance against Steven Gerrard’s men. There wasn’t anything to get excited about from our perspective regarding a potential title-party today. Hearts never gave us a glimpse of hope it could happen.
But it did provide us with massive encouragement ahead of the Scottish Cup final on May 25th.
Listen, I’ll be the first to admit Hearts will likely be a different kettle of fish next month. They always seem to be just that against Celtic. Those midfield errors that so cheaply cost them yesterday likely won’t be on show at Hampden.
Yesterday, however, showed just how frail this Hearts side are if you get on top of them. Rangers constantly pressed them in the midfield, and didn’t allow them more than two touches on the ball.
Celtic should swarm all over Hearts’ midfield
Should Celtic decide to be just as snappy as that, there could be some real openings next month. The Hearts defence also showed real sloppiness in reacting to give-aways. Christophe Berra and John Souttar have had fine individual campaigns, but they struggled during turnovers yesterday. That simply has to be something Neil Lennon takes away from the game.
Hearts were definitely missing Austrian success Peter Haring. Whether he’s fit for the final remains to be seen, and he could be the man to tidy up their midfield act.
But another aspect of yesterday that was highly promising was Hearts’ lack of a plan B.
Uche Ikpeazu had his moments. His strength will always guarantee that he gets at least half a sniff on goal. But in fairness to Rangers, they played him well, and were quick to react to his knockdowns. Ikpeazu isn’t clinical – seven goals in total this season proves that. If you limit him, he likely won’t come close to scoring.
When Rangers did that, Hearts didn’t have an alternative. Watch how many times Berra or Souttar just aim a long punt up to the former Cambridge United striker. It’s quite astonishing.
On the odd occasion they do try to pass it through the midfield, they’re too slow in moving it. Arnaud Djoum and Oliver Bozanic were absolutely abysmal on the ball yesterday, and they must have the likes of Scott Brown, Callum McGregor, and Tom Rogic rubbing their hands.
You can easily chalk yesterday up as just a bad day for Hearts. But that’s two in a row in which they’ve offered next to nothing going forward against top-six opposition.
If Celtic play their cards right next month, a treble-treble is on the cards. If they allow complacency to creep in a la Tynecastle in February, that’s when things could be difficult.
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