Rampant Hearts moved to the top of the Scottish Premiership with a dominant win over a listless Falkirk at a raucous Tynecastle, as Lawrence Shankland became the SPFL’s record goalscorer.
Since Tony Bloom’s claim that Hearts could split the Old Firm this season, every performance of Derek McInnes’ side has been scrutinised to see if they’re capable of making good on the investor’s words.
This performance would suggest that they remain unfazed by any such pressure with a sublime Alexandros Kyziridis strike followed by a fine Shankland effort, before Craig Halkett’s diving header put the game to bed.
Shankland’s strike was his 163rd in all divisions during the SPFL era, moving him one ahead of Rory McAllister.
Hearts had a slew of early chances, with Harry Milne and Stuart Findlay going close until Kyziridis drove in off the right and whipped a 30-yard strike into the top corner.
Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain kept his side in the game admirably but failed to reach Shankland’s low, driving shot after the striker pounced on a loose pass.
John McGlynn would have drawn inspiration in his half-time team talk from Falkirk’s comeback from two goals down last time out against Hibs, but the game was soon out of sight.
Halkett’s diving header was directed back across goal from a Kyziridis corner, sealing a comfortable win for the commanding hosts.