Hearts' commitment to Wouter Vrancken's 'chaosball' approach was brutally exposed as Celtic ran out 7-1 winners at Celtic Park, a result that highlighted the stark contrast between the two sides' defensive solidity.
The match, described as a humiliation, saw Hearts repeatedly undone by Celtic's counter-attacks. Despite enjoying 56 per cent possession and registering 20 attempts on goal, Hearts shipped five goals before half-time, with only five efforts on target and an expected goals (XG) of 1.20.
A System Under Scrutiny
Vrancken has made Hearts a more dangerous attacking side since his arrival, but the flip side is a defence that looks wide open and extremely vulnerable on the counter. The warning signs were present in the Champions League qualifiers against Sturm Graz and Benfica, but the approach at Parkhead was a disastrous mix of bravery, naivety and, at times, outright stupidity.
Celtic, the champions who spent over £31 million on their title-winning squad and added four full internationals, exploited the space Hearts left behind. The loss of two early goals from set pieces set a dreadful tone, and the irony of predecessor Ross Grant, who made set pieces a strength last season, being in the opposite dugout was not lost.
Individual Errors Compound Problems
While Vrancken's tactics were a factor, individual mistakes compounded the systemic weaknesses. Sabri Guendouz misplaced a ten-yard pass on the edge of his own area, and Malachi Fagan-Walcott attempted a step-over in his own six-yard box with Camilo Duran nearby. Stephen Kingsley's crossing and finishing were wayward, and Claudio Braga made poor decisions at the other end.
Hearts' leaders, including McCart and Kingsley, failed to stem the bleeding when the game was getting away. The return of Craig Halkett, who brings organisation and solidity, cannot come soon enough for a defence that has kept clean sheets only against Dundee Utd, Stenhousemuir and St Mirren this term.
Pragmatism Needed
There is logic in Vrancken sticking to his principles, but there will be occasions when pragmatism is required. Being 5-1 down away to Celtic at half-time is one such situation. The approach needs to be toned down against better teams until defenders with a different skillset can be brought in.
Hearts' next match is against Trabzonspor, managed by Mo Salah, which will provide another test of whether the chaosball approach can be adapted.
