Hearts passed up the chance to go second after they lost 4-0 at home to Rangers.
Robbie Neilson’s men had the opportunity to go within two points of the summit if they could register a resounding victory at Tynecastle. But a disastrous first half saw them two goals down and reduced to ten men. They found themselves a goal down within five minutes when Antonio Colak netted with a header. Despite battling they were 2-0 on the 29 minute after a cool finish for the Rangers striker. And a poor challenge from Cammy Devlin saw him walk with Rabbi Matondo in a heap.
A more solid performance in the second half helped showed signs of promise but the Jambos found life difficult throughout the contest. A third blow was dealt by Alfredo Morelos followed by a 90th minute strike from Ryan Kent to pile on the agony. Here are three things we learned as Hearts suffered their first home defeat of the season.
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Devlin Damage
After Hearts found themselves 2-0 the last thing they needed was to be a man down. Thanks to Devlin that nightmare scenario became a reality. A rash moment saw him walk after a brutal tackle on Matondo in front of the dugout. A straight red and a huge moment in a game that was already slipping away from Neilson’s side.
Battling Spirit
Going into half time 2-0 down and with 10 men there was plenty of anxiety around Tynecastle of how the second 45 could play out. Neilson rung the changes to bolster the midfield and close the gaps. The Jambos showed plenty of fight and threatened to claw themselves back into the game. With plenty of options from the bench they showed they have the squad to battle when the chips are down. It’s the kind of spirit that will be needed over a long season.
First taste of Tynecastle
Neilson handed a home debut to new signing German midfielder 'Kio'. The new number 8 was given a tough task against a high-flying Rangers side.
In the second half Robert Snodgrass was given his home bow, with the former Scotland ace coming on for Barrie McKay.
It was a stern test for both with Snodgrass limited in the second half with the game done. Kio also showed promise and certainly gives Neilson a decision to make for the Europa League Conference clash against Fiorentina on Thursday.
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