Neil Critchley left 'scratching my head' after defeat to Rangers

Hearts boss Neil Critchley admits he was left “scratching my head” after the 3-1 defeat to Rangers at Tynecastle on Sunday.

The home side created several good chances and put visiting goalkeeper Jack Butland under pressure throughout as they took the game to Philippe Clement’s men.

However, two own goals from Jamie McCart and a second-half strike from Vaclav Cerny were enough to cancel out Michael Steinwender’s header.

The defeat is the first loss Hearts have suffered in nine matches, dating back to the Edinburgh Derby on Boxing Day.

After the game Critchley said: “I don’t think 3-1 is a fair reflection of the game at all.

“It’s not often you play Rangers and you have more of the ball, more passes, better chances, more shots. And we’ve done all of that today, yet we’ve lost.

“I suppose the story of the game for us is we weren’t clinical in our moments and a little bit of misfortune for maybe one or two of the goals as well. And that’s what’s decided the game.

“But there were so many positive things. I thought we were very good. Took the game to them, went toe-to-toe with them. I don’t think 3-1 is a fair reflection of the game.”

On McCart’s personal nightmare, Critchley said: “Those are the things that you need to go your way in these types of games.

“The first goal obviously just hits him as he’s recovering to the goal. And then the third goal, he’s actually back there and doesn’t quite get enough on it to take it away from Dessers and kick it out for a corner.

“But even at 3-1, we’ve had some big chances as well to go 3-2 and there was more than enough time left.”

In terms of chances missed, striker Elton Kabangu was the biggest culprit for Hearts but Critchley was understanding.

He said: “He came off the pitch and he was disappointed. He said he should have scored.

“But again, I’m not critical of him because he played that position perfectly and how we wanted him to play.

“He got into the right areas. Butland’s produced a magnificent save, low down to tip it round the post. That one where he’s hit the inside of his arm and then deflected past the goal, you just need to sometimes go through them.

“It just didn’t quite happen for him. He could have easily had one or two goals today.”