Stephen Kingsley and the other Hearts players on the pitch are right to be proud of their performance in the first half against Zurich.
Frankly, it is the best football I have EVER seen Hearts play.
Completely dominant against the reigning Swiss Champions, every Hearts player was confident on the ball, displaying individual skills, alongside the ability to engage with team mates to cut the opposition apart.
The tempo was marvellous, the commitment and energy unquestionable.
One goal would probably have opened the floodgates – but Hearts just could not get it, despite creating some excellent chances.
I remarked to a friend at the match at half time that I would rather watch Hearts playing this style of football, even if a goal didn’t come in the second half, than see the team play scruffily and squeeze out a lucky win.
Yes. I KNOW football is a results based sport – but it is also the Beautiful Game – and I lean towards admiring the beauty, when given the opportunity.
Hearts provided such an opportunity for the first forty five minutes on Thursday.
Let’s not go into detail on the ordering off that changed the match.
Jorge Grant had played really well and was looking ready to dominate the second half. Unlucky to be booked in the first half, he made the wrong call when surging into Zurich box. He went over too easily and paid the price. It was hard to take for everyone connected with Hearts but, though the referee probably erred with the first Yellow Card, he cannot really be criticised for the second.
That said, Jorge is looking an excellent signing for Hearts and I am sure all supporters will get right behind him when he next appears. He made the wrong split-second call. Which of us hasn’t?
Though many Hearts players could be singled out for great praise, a special word is surely due Cammy Devlin.
To be honest, I think Cammy surprised many people, myself included. He was totally dominant in midfield. Combative, of course – that is his trademark – but also controlled, winning the ball, travelling smoothly with it and spraying passes around the pitch.
Quite simply, CD put on a magnificent exhibition of a holding midfield players talents.
Hearts Kante? On this showing, a valid comparison!
So, heads held high, Hearts move on.
There is European football to look forward to in September – but, for now, absolute concentration will be required to win the next three matches, two in the league and a League Cup tie.
Hearts do not have a big squad and though there are likely to be a couple of more signings in the coming days, for now the first team squad will need to cope with a few injuries and suspensions, especially in defence.
The players brought in will need to show they can seamlessly replace those who are unavailable – and the supporters will need to provide the same magnificent support which drove the players to new heights against Zurich.
In all the circumstances, three wins would be an excellent return in the next 8 days.
WE CAN DO IT.
BELIEVE.
Scottish Football Matters 