Andy Halliday dismissed the theory that Hearts purposely lose to Rangers, despite their ongoing struggles against the Light Blues at Hampden. The Jambos’ disappointing record against Rangers continued as they were defeated 2-0, allowing Philippe Clement’s team to secure a spot in the Cup Final against Celtic. Prior to the game, there was speculation that an upset could be on the cards given Rangers’ inconsistent league form and Hearts’ strong position in third place. However, Steven Naismith’s side failed to perform from the outset, allowing Cyriel Dessers to score a decisive double for Rangers.
While there have been suggestions that Hearts may not give their all against Celtic’s bitter rivals, Halliday remained steadfast in his belief that teams do not intentionally underperform. Despite showing promising signs against Rangers earlier in the season, Hearts failed to translate that into success in the semi-final. Halliday expressed surprise at Hearts’ lackluster performance, noting missed opportunities and a lack of pressure on Rangers throughout the match.
He highlighted the space allowed to Rangers players and the failure to disrupt their game plan effectively. Despite attempting tactical adjustments in the second half, Hearts were unable to make a significant impact, ultimately resulting in their defeat. Halliday stressed the importance of a strong start against formidable opponents like Rangers, pointing out that early goals can often dictate the flow and outcome of the game.
He also referenced the need for Hearts to make Rangers uncomfortable and disrupt their rhythm, especially given Rangers’ recent run of form. Halliday expressed disappointment at Hearts’ inability to capitalize on key moments in the match and called for a more aggressive and proactive approach from the team in future games against Rangers. Ultimately, he emphasized the importance of performance and effort in football, asserting that teams should always strive to compete at their highest level regardless of the opponent.
