Gegenpressing issues, 329 days since league win outside Edinburgh, Donis Advijaj debut - Three observations from Hearts' 0-0 draw with Ross County

Pressing issue

Time and again against Ross County in the first half Hearts found themselves open and exposed to a counter attack. Only a combination of some excellent last-ditch defending and wastefulness on the Staggies part kept the score levels. When Hearts lose the ball they have an issue. The problem is that they tend to do so a lot. They certainly did in Dingwall and coming into the match they had lost the ball the fourth most in the league. It is clear that work still needs to be done to cement what Daniel Stendel wants of the team when they give up possession and are required to press to win it back - otherwise known as gegenpressing. Too often players weren't quick enough to react or they were simply unsure of when to press and when to back off.

Donis debut

There was a certain amount of hype building around Donis Avdijaj ahead of his debut for the club. It is fair to say he contributed heavily to it, but this was a player who had an unbelievable scoring record for Schalke's U17, talk of interest from Liverpool and a reported £41million release clause. Yet, it was somewhat of a surprise he was handed a start. It was an inconspicuous start for the Kosovo international. Fielded on the left, he barely saw the ball as Hearts struggled to keep it. There was a flick into Naismith and a couple of runs which were on the cusp of threatening. He was moved to the support role behind Naismith towards the end of the half and should have opened the scoring after the interval but slipped as the ball rolled towards him in the box before being subbed. Better things to come.

Hearts need wins

"In our situation we need to win," said Daniel Stendel. It is now at the point where draws are not going to be good enough to pull Hearts away from not just bottom place but the perilous looking Premiership play-off position. As of the next away match - at St Johnstone on 1 February - it will be 329 days since Hearts last won a league game outside of Edinburgh. In the last 319 days it has been just three league wins. Hibs' late winner at home to Hamilton was very much welcomed. It saw the deficit at the bottom drop to four points. But cutting the gap should be done with wins at places like Ross County and not having to rely on Hamilton Accies, perennial relegation strugglers, slipping up. Sandwiched between fixtures with the Old Firm is matches with St Johnstone and Kilmarnock before an appealing run towards the split. However, it is easy saying an 'appealing run' when the team have struggled for wins, both at home and away. That winning feeling in the league to begin a strong run of form needs to happen soon. It can't be left until later otherwise it will be too late.