Hearts outmuscled by superb Spurs

Mikey Moore scored Spurs' third goal at Tynecastle

Hearts fell to their second defeat of pre-season, losing 5-1 despite an at-times impressive performance against Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur.

Brennan Johnson tucked in the opener after patient build-up play for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

But the visitors rode their luck before that as Kyosuke Tagawa twice squandered inviting opportunities and goalkeeper Brandon Austin magnificently denied Yutaro Oda with a sensational save.

While potency was missing in the first half, it was evident less than a minute into the second. A half-time substitute – along with Zander Clark and Barrie McKay – Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland slammed home after a defensive howler from Emerson Royal.

He was one of 11 changes at the break for the visitors and it did not take long for Spurs to find their stride again.

William Lankshear slotted beyond Clark after latching on to a delicious threaded through pass from Djed Spence to restore their lead and it was extended by Mikey Moore in another tidy move that ripped the Hearts defence apart.

It was a defence that lost Frankie Kent in the first-half after he took a James Maddison free-kick flush to the face.

There was a bright light in the backline, though, with Costa Rica international Gerald Taylor, on loan from Derportivo Saprissa, being a constant threat down the right flank in his first hour as a Hearts player.

His departure was notable and Spurs’ fourth came from another dangerous cross down their left. The ball was poked beyond Clark in a congested six-yard box, with Spence being credited with the final touch.

On his return to Scotland, Postecoglou witnessed a five-goal performance from his side as Ashley Williams added a late fifth from close-range at the back-post.