Assessing Lawrence Shankland’s Performance Amidst Hearts’ Challenges

For supporters who could not attend last Saturday evening’s match at Tynecastle due to Storm Bert, the second half of the game might have prompted a desire to seek alternative viewing. Following the 4-1 defeat to Celtic, the situation surrounding Lawrence Shankland has been characterized as a significant challenge, with one commentator likening it to the title of a hypothetical Andrew Lloyd Webber series, ‘How do you solve a problem like Lawrence Shankland?’. While statisticians and head coach Neil Critchley indicate Shankland is having a strong season in terms of his all-round contribution, with data showing increases in expected assists, aerial wins, and opponent pressure compared to last term, his goal-scoring record presents a contrasting picture. A return of one goal in 19 club games represents a significant decline from Shankland’s recent performance levels. In comparison, by this date last season, Shankland had scored 11 goals in 20 games. Although Hearts’ current poor league form is not solely attributable to Shankland, it underscores the significant challenge Critchley faces in improving the team’s performances. A key decision for Critchley involves whether to continue starting Shankland, particularly as many supporters are expressing impatience with the striker, who has indicated he will depart next summer. Given Critchley’s limited striking options and the fact that Spanish player Musa Drammeh, who scored a consolation goal against the league leaders, is not registered for European competition, it is anticipated that Shankland will start in Belgium against Cercle Brugge. This match offers the opportunity to secure European football beyond Christmas for the first time since 1989. Within local discussions, there has been debate regarding whether Critchley should field his strongest lineup for the upcoming European fixture or prioritize the Sunday league match against Aberdeen. Based on Critchley’s established patterns, he typically relies on a core group of 17-18 regular starters. This suggests that players such as Craig Halkett, Zander Clark, Liam Boyce, Barrie McKay, and Andres Salazar are likely to remain out of the starting lineup. The Aberdeen game is considered highly important, with optimism for a victory. Jimmy Thelin’s team was expected to encounter a period of inconsistent form, and their recent defeat to St Mirren, combined with Hearts’ competitive performance against them at Pittodrie earlier this campaign, provides confidence in securing a win.