Robbie Neilson admits Hearts can be 'miles better' as he pinpoints areas needing to improve

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson admitted his side can “still be miles better” following a third successive draw in the Scottish Championship.
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson admits his team can do much better.Hearts manager Robbie Neilson admits his team can do much better.
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson admits his team can do much better.

He identified a need for more attacking impetus, specifically runs beyond the opposition defence and passes in behind to cause more problems.

Hearts have scored only one goal in each of their last five matches but still remain 12 points clear at the top of the table after Friday night’s 1-1 draw at Inverness.

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With nine games remaining, they are overwhelming favourites to win the title and secure automatic promotion back to the Premiership.

However, Neilson explained to the Evening News that he is far from satisfied overall. His team continue picking up points but he acknowledged there is room for vast improvement.

Miles Storey put Inverness ahead on Friday as Hearts lost the first goal for the third game in a row. Liam Boyce’s equaliser brought them level nine minutes before half-time.

“There are very few high-scoring games just now and sometimes it’s about trying to grind it out a wee bit. We want to play good football and score goals,” said Neilson.

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“We have done it at times this season but in this wee period just now pitches aren't great and it’s a case of just getting points on the board.

“There was more impetus in the second half on Friday but it’s about passing forward and running forward. We didn’t start the game well, then we changed shape to go two up front with a diamond in midfield.

“That gave us a bit more energy going forward. In the second half we improved but I still think we can be miles better. We can show more energy and more quality going forward.

“It was a frustrating night. You can get that energy from yourself but you also get it back from the atmosphere which builds up in the game as well.

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“We will continue to work away because we have a big game this week. It’s one the boys will look forward to and be ready for.”

Hearts host Dundee this Saturday at Tynecastle Park followed by another home game against Ayr United the following weekend.

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