Hearts v Motherwell: Five takeaways from Tynecastle

After Hearts smacked six past Motherwell, Barry Anderson looks at the key points from a Gorgie goal-glut.
Arnaud Djoum converts his penalty against Motherwell. Pic: Ian RutherfordArnaud Djoum converts his penalty against Motherwell. Pic: Ian Rutherford
Arnaud Djoum converts his penalty against Motherwell. Pic: Ian Rutherford

Arnaud Djoum is a class act

The Cameroonian is quickly becoming a driving force in central midfield. He set up two of the six goals against Motherwell before winning and converting a late penalty to round off the scoring. He possesses an engine, physical presence and technical ability. There is also an eye for goal, as shown by four goals in 14 appearances so far. His quick feet to evade three opponents to win the late penalty on Saturday was ball mastery of the highest order.

Gavin Reilly is starting to grow in confidence

It has taken a few months but Hearts fans are now seeing why Robbie Neilson saw fit to pay a transfer fee for Reilly. His energy and movement make him difficult to track and he is now playing to his strengths on the shoulder of defenders. As a result, he has three goals in his last four appearances and is currently keeping Juanma Delgado out of the starting line-up.

Igor Rossi is Hearts’ most dependable left-back

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In fact, Rossi is equally reliable at centre-back and has proven a real find since arriving on a free transfer in July. His Brazilian birth certificate is deceptive as he is most definitely at home in British football. He exhibits a no-nonsense style which has found favour with Hearts supporters and made him a first-choice member of the defence. The last two weeks have seen him shunted from centre-back to left-back in place of Juwon Oshaniwa. Two successive clean sheets underline his contribution.

Juanma may have to bide his time

The Spaniard came off the bench and scored a fine striker’s goal against Motherwell. However, that will not guarantee him a start at Hamilton on Sunday. Reilly and Osman Sow look a good combination as the proverbial big-man-wee-man partnership up front. Robbie Neilson is likely to stick with those two for the time being, leaving Juanma little choice other than to stay patient on the substitutes’ bench.

Dario Zanatta has promise

The Canadian youth international arrived as an unknown in the summer but has progressed rapidly from the under-20 squad into the senior side. He made his fifth competitive appearance as a substitute against Motherwell and looked hungry for a goal to cement his arrival. He is still only 18 and has plenty time to develop into a regular at senior level, but already he looks a forward with pace, skill and a physical presence.

Related topics: