Barry Anderson: I watched Kilmarnock 1-0 Hearts - here are my 3 key conclusions

Defeat at Rugby Park doubtless hurt Hearts players, staff and supporters on Saturday night. Their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership was whittled down to two points after nearest challengers Celtic beat Motherwell earlier in the day. Any loss raises issues to address and this one is no different, although there is a degree of comfort for Hearts given they are still league-leaders.

The Tynecastle side didn’t find any rhythm in front of more than 4,000 travelling fans. Much of that was down to Kilmarnock’s harrassment and energy denying them space. True attacking quality was scarce and, once Michael Schjonning-Larsen scored on 17 minutes, the visitors toiled in the quest for an equaliser. Below are three key conclusions from the match in East Ayrshire:

TOO MANY MISSING MAINSTAYS

It’s clear that, for all Hearts’ strength in depth, they simply can’t reach the same level of consistency with so many influential players missing. Captain Lawrence Shankland, midfielders Cammy Devlin and Beni Baningime, plus defender Stuart Findlay were all sidelined on Saturday. Their absences were felt. Killie controlled the early period of the game in midfield, prompting Hearts head coach Derek McInnes to change formation from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. Devlin and Baningime wouldn’t have allowed opponents to dictate in such a fashion. Findlay has been a defensive mainstay all season, although Jamie McCart was one of Hearts’ better players on the night as he again stood in for the Scotland internationalist. In attack, Hearts struggled to hold the ball up and link play with Landry Kabore unable to have any impact. Partner Claudio Braga tried everything but missed Shankland’s presence and influence. Shankland and Devlin are scheduled to resume full training this week and could be back in the team against Dundee on Saturday. Even if they only manage an hour having been out since January, it could be a worthwhile exercise.

FATIGUE

Perhaps understandably after playing at such a high level all season, some Hearts players looked tired at Kilmarnock. Left-back Harry Milne has been a constant since the campaign began and seemed to be slightly leggy. He still ran relentlessly up and down the left flank and delivered crosses but physically he didn’t look quite as zestful as earlier in the season. Winger Alexandros Kyziridis has been less effective in recent weeks and is another player who has played the vast majority of the league campaign. He could possibly benefit from a break. The problem is, who can replace him as an attacking left winger? The Ugandan Rogers Mato is still adjusting to Scottish football and doesn’t yet look ready for a sustained run in the team - particularly with a league title at stake. Braga’s energy up front was still evident and he was one of few in maroon showing flashes of true quality.

RIGHT-BACK

Centre-back Michael Steinwender has been consistent for Hearts at right-back in recent weeks and deserved to start Saturday’s game. His pace was designed to prevent the on-loan Rangers winger Findlay Curtis causing problems for Killie. As it transpired, Curtis enjoyed an early influence before left-back Schjonning-Larsen ghosted into the Hearts penalty box unmarked to score the game’s only goal. Dutch full-back Jordi Altena replaced Steinwender early in the second half and looked more comfortable. He then moved into midfield to exert more influence in the closing stages. Expect Altena to feature in Hearts’ next couple of games against Dundee and Livingston.