Heart of Midlothian Secures Crucial 4-0 Victory Over Dundee United
Heart of Midlothian recorded a vital 4-0 win at Tynecastle against Dundee United, easing early pressure on new head coach Wouter Vrancken. This match came after a series of disappointing performances, including four consecutive losses, the latest of which was a 6-1 defeat to Benfica.
While supporters braced for an early-season crisis, Vrancken’s side delivered a decisive performance to quiet critics for now. The question remains whether this victory was unexpected or a sign of things to come for the team.
Stats Highlight Vrancken’s Approach
Heart of Midlothian’s struggles began with a 4-0 loss to Sturm Graz, a match some deemed a freak occurrence, as they trailed by only one goal at halftime before conceding three in quick succession. The team subsequently lost a second leg 2-0 and faced a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Aberdeen, in which they were on the verge of victory until conceding a late goal. The debacle in Lisbon against Benfica showcased their challenges, as the team faced a formidable opponent.
Amid these setbacks, pundit Michael Stewart noted a common thread; despite crafting chances, the team failed to convert. In a striking statistic, Hearts achieved a higher expected goals (xG) from open play during their 4-0 loss to Sturm Graz than they did in the successful game against United.
The numbers reveal minimal difference in shots on target between the heavy defeat in Austria and the recent win, with just one additional shot in the latter. Hearts registered 12 shots against United, compared to 10 in the loss to Benfica. Despite their missed opportunities previously, Sunday’s match demonstrated a more effective execution of their game plan, aligning with Vrancken’s emphasis on patience.
Pundit Scott Allan highlighted the challenging opponents Hearts faced, calling attention to their transitional phase under a new manager and the departure of key players. He underscored the surprising nature of their earlier loss to Aberdeen, which felt unjust given Hearts’ control during the match.
Departure of Winger Kyziridis Confirmed
In the aftermath of the victory, Vrancken addressed rumors surrounding winger Alexandros Kyziridis, who appears poised to transfer to Turkey. “The club accepted a bid,” Vrancken confirmed, calling it a favorable deal for both the player and the club.
Kyziridis, who joined Hearts on a free transfer from Slovakia, departs after contributing four goals and seven assists last season, although his form tapered off significantly after the New Year. Hearts has already secured reinforcements, including Sabri Guendouz, Josh McPake, and Calvin Miller, as well as holding onto Rogers Mato.
While Kyziridis had won the hearts of fans for his spirited play and memorable moments, the club looks poised to manage his absence effectively with existing options.
It seems hyperbolic to suggest Heart of Midlothian’s home game against Dundee United, just two games into the league season, was a must-win game for new head coach Wouter Vrancken.
But that’s certainly how it felt in the build-up. Four games had yielded four losses, the latest being a 6-1 humiliation at the hands of Benfica.
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The knives weren’t out, but they were being eyed up with unhappy fans and ragebaiting pundits keen for an early-season feeding frenzy.
However, after Sunday’s 4-0 win over Dundee United at Tynecastle, those knives will remain firmly in the drawer for the time being.
Was this a surprise? Or has it been a long time coming for Vrancken’s men?
Stats support Vrancken ideology
First there was the 4-0 loss to Sturm Graz in Austria. It was called a freak result by some – and you can see why. Hearts were in the game at half-time, a single goal behind, before conceding three in the space of nine minutes to effectively end the tie.
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They lost the second leg 2-0 before a 2-1 defeat by Aberdeen in which they were leading come the 89th minute. After that came the trip to Lisbon, where they were put to the sword by an outfit who regularly play in the Champions League.
Each game has a story, but in those first four defeats there was a “recurring theme”, according to pundit Michael Stewart after the Aberdeen loss.
Hearts were creating plenty of chances but failing to score.
And one incredible stat shows Vrancken’s side have been doing this all along.
In that 4-0 loss to Sturm Graz, they created a higher xG from open play than they did in the 4-0 win over United.
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Similarly, they only had one more shot on target in the win over United than they did in the heavy loss in Austria. In the defeat by Benfica, they had 10 shots – their lowest tally in a game this season. In the win over United, they had 12.
All of this to say, there was a theme. Hearts had been wasteful, but they had been creating chances. There were signs of promise.
The difference was that, against United, it clicked. The decision-making was better, the execution markedly so.
Vrancken had pleaded patience already and those who waited to sling their rocks now look all the smarter for doing so.
“You look at the opposition they’ve been up against – Sturm Graz and Benfica – and they’re a completely different league to Hearts,” pundit Scott Allan suggested.
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“Especially when Hearts are in transition, with a new manager and a completely new way of playing – and losing some of their best players from last season.
“It was always going to be a difficult start. The frustration came from the game at Pittodrie, where they were dominant for all of the game.
“I couldn’t believe Aberdeen had come away with the three points, but that’s football sometimes. They lost that control and concentration and they were punished.
“What a way to bounce back, against a United side who looked very bright against Rangers.”
Will exit of winger Kyziridis be a blow?
After the game, Vrancken confirmed the rumours that winger Alexandros Kyziridis looks set to move to Turkey.
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“The club accepted a bid,” Vrancken said of 25-year-old Greek. “It’s a good deal for the club, a good deal for him.
“He came in for nothing and goes out for a good deal. This is football, we focus on the players who are here.”
The reality is, this is the club model now. Hearts brought Kyziridis in for a free from Slovakia and will make a reported seven figures on him.
In the league last season, he scored four goals and registered seven assists. Only one of those goals and one of those assists came after new year, when his form significantly dropped off from the start of the season.
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Hearts have already brought in Sabri Guendouz, Josh McPake, and Calvin Miller alongside Rogers Mato, who joined permanently after a loan spell. Albanian super-sub Sabah Kerjota was already on the books.
Five options for two positions, with Guendouz and Miller also capable of playing in the 10 behind the striker.
While Kyziridis had become a fan favourite for his industry and flair, and unforgettable goal against Falkirk, his replacement is already somewhere in the building.
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