Hearts and the Low Block: Could Kingsley and Smith Hold the Keys?

In recent weeks, Hearts have struggled to create goalscoring opportunities against teams deploying a low block. The style of play has become turgid - and fans are justifiably unhappy. However, in Michael Smith and Stephen Kingsley, Hearts could have the solution to the problem - if they are encouraged to get forward more often.

First, it is prudent to address the problem that Hearts are facing - the low block. Given Hearts are overwhelming favourites to win the league, opposition teams understandably look to sit in to try and frustrate Hearts and then nick a goal on the counter. The approach has allowed Dunfermline, Raith Rovers and Queen of the South to take points off the Jambos. 

When Hearts face this challenge, they often make it too easy for the opposition. There is a real lack of intensity which is easy for the other side to defend. Take this passage of play from the 3-2 defeat by Raith back in January. 

Hearts have comfortable possession in their half and work it backwards and forwards across the defence. The positioning of the full-backs is notable - both taking up conservative positions. 

At one stage, there are eight Hearts’ players within their own half against a retreating Raith.

Eventually, the ball reaches Smith - who tries to progress the ball to Frear in midfield. However, due to the defensive positions of his teammates, he quickly losses possession after being outnumbered.

 

Here’s another example from Friday’s draw with Queen of the South. Hearts win a throw-in on the right-hand side, in a perfect position for Smith to take. Instead, it is taken by Walker and played back to Smith. Ten seconds later, the ball is back at the feet of Craig Gordon - and any chance of a Hearts attack is long gone. 

         

Wingers running down into cul-de-sacs has also become a real problem. Without the support of the full-backs, Hearts wingers regularly find themselves crowded out in wide areas - causing attacks to dissipate. Here are two examples of this happening to Gary Mackay-Steven against Raith and Queen of the South. If Kingsley could get up in support of the wide man, Hearts may be able to work the ball into a better crossing position. 

         

The tendency of the full-backs to play conservatively makes little sense when analysing the opportunities created by Hearts against Queens. Smith started the first real attacking move of the match. His overlapping run puts him in the position to pick up the ball in a good crossing position. His cross was headed over by Mackay-Seven - but it was promising to see the right-back being more adventurous. 

   

Another positive example came later in the game. As Craig Halkett carries the ball out from defence, Kingsley begins a driving run into the Queens’ half. He is well found by the centre back in a good crossing position. However, the resulting cross was underwhelming and cleared by the Queen of the South defence - but it again highlights the potential to get the full-backs into dangerous positions after runs from deep. 

     

It shouldn’t come as a surprise. Both full-backs have had success in the attacking third this season, each accumulating five goal contributions. Both have shown themselves capable of helping the side to beat compact defences - and hence should be encouraged to play higher on a more regular basis. 

Take Boyce’s goal in the 4-0 victory away at Raith. Smith plays the ball into Boyce’s feet and then makes an inverted run into the half-space just outside the box. His presence - along with Euan Henderson holding the width - leaves Raith left-back Kieran MacDonald with a dilemma of who to pick up. He does not react to the position of Smith - allowing the right-back can play a simple one-two with Boyce. Naturally, the in-form striker gobbled up the opportunity. 

Another example can be found in the home fixture against Raith, albeit after the Jambos were three goals down and had to throw the proverbial kitchen sink at Rovers. Kingsley’s role in Boyce’s first is significant. His dummy run forces his marker, Daniel Anderson, back a couple of yards. It gives Ginnelly the pocket space he needs to send a sumptuous cross for Boyce to get Hearts back into the game. 

   

A final example that is worth highlighting is Craig Wighton’s first in the 5-3 comeback win at home to Ayr. While the goal is synonymous with Christophe Berra transformation into a winger, Kingsley’s role is still vitally important. It is his high position on the left-hand side which drags the Ayr defenders towards the ball - creating the space for Berra to run into. He then can play the perfect through ball to the centre half to get the assist for Wighton. 

There is one final component yet to be added to this potentially potent mix - Armand Gnanduillet. The 6’4 target man has shown himself to be particularly adept in the air. During his last season at Blackpool, he scored 18 goals - eight of which were headers. He has already proven his aerial prowess at Hearts, scoring with a header in the win at Stark’s Park. 

At Blackpool, he thrived off crosses played back towards him from near the byline. If Smith and Kingsley were encouraged to attack more, it is likely Hearts would create more from these positions. Given the striker’s size and record, he would expect to make the most of these opportunities. 

In Kingsley and Smith, Hearts have the keys to beating the low block. They must be encouraged to get forward more, especially once Gnanduillet is up to full speed and fitness.