What we learned from Falkirk’s stunning 5-2 victory away to Hearts in Scottish Premiership

Falkirk’s superb Scottish Premiership winning run continued last Sunday with a 5-2 victory away to Hearts - so what did we learn from the Bairns’ latest success?

John McGlynn’s side made it five wins on the spin by demolishing last season’s runners-up in style. Falkirk racked up a five-goal lead after 47 minutes with Jacob Murrell continuing his fine form with another two goals. The American forward - who won last month’s player of the month award - was joined on the scoresheet by Finley Barbrook, Owen Eames and Liam Henderson.

Wouter Vrancken’s team did grab two goals back, and parts of the second half were shaky to say the least, but the Bairns comfortably beat the Jambos to go into the international break sitting third, with an impressive points tally of 21 points from 13 fixtures played.

Here’s some of the Falkirk Herald’s key talking points after watching the win from the Falkirk TV set-up, with Sports Reporter Ben Kearney on co-commentary duty.

Scott Tanser shines again

Scott Tanser’s Falkirk career so far has been an interesting one. The former St Mirren ace started the campaign well in the Premier Sports Cup group stages, and he seemed like a solid, sensible signing by boss John McGlynn. A player with Scottish Premiership experience to help shore up the Bairns’ backline.

But the league season was a tough start for the 32-year-old. After the opening day loss to his ex-club, stalwart Leon McCann was given a chance to regain the starting left-back spot and he took it. Tanser has only really found himself back in the side again due to McCann suffering a long-term injury.

Against Hibs recently, Tanser had to come off at half time due to illness, and that probably explained what a poor performance.

Since that Easter Road success, the defender has really shone. He did well after coming on for McCann at Pittodrie and his goal against Celtic capped off a brilliant display. His performance against Hearts may have actually been better than the previous weekend - his crossing was accurate and he got up and down the pitch, offering an option for a lofted or low pass. He was one of Falkirk’s top performers on Sunday.

More Jacob Murrell magic

Jacob Murrell again showed his penalty-box finishing ability last Sunday. The former DC United ace now has seven goals in just 11 Premiership outings, and it is easy to say why his boss McGlynn said after the 5-2 win that the “sky’s the limit” for the striker.

He is the top US goalscorer across Europe’s top divisions and that will be attracting attention stateside for sure. Murrell’s two finishes against Hearts were superb. The first was a deft header. His movement to meet Deniss Meļņiks cross to the back post was perfect and it allowed him to loop the ball over Beau Reus. The second might have been even better - his sweeping finish from Ethan Ross’ low ball across was sublime.

McGlynn previously, rightfully, pointed out that replacing Barney Stewart was near-impossible. The Falkirk boss may have done just that.

Midfield misses Brad Spencer

Falkirk’s midfield totally dominated Hearts’ contingent. Ipswich Town loanee Barbrook continues to impress - and his first goal for the Bairns came at the perfect time. An unorthodox No 10, he has made that position his own.

Latvian International Deniss Meļņiks did the dirty work so well again on Sunday but he showed another side to his game with an inch-perfect cross to assist Murrell’s first goal.

And Brad Spencer was, well, Brad Spencer. He made Falkirk tick. He got on the ball and made things happen. His pass across to Derby County ace Eames for the second goal was lovely.

But when he went off injured - the Falkirk midfield fell apart. It’s hard to be harsh after such a memorable win, and Hearts did play well after a change of shape, but the drop off was remarkable really. From having total control, the visitors lost their grip on the midfield battle. Spencer will hopefully be fit for the St Johnstone game because it is clear that Falkirk need him so much.

Other Falkirk talking points

Substitute Ben Parkinson didn’t do himself any favours with a frustrating cameo, including a long-range effort that screamed of a player dying for a goal and low on confidence.

Goalkeeper Scott Bain again put in a solid showing and should absolutely be Scotland’s No 1 for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. See Angus Gunn’s most-recent outing for San Jose Earthquakes for further evidence of the above.

John McGlynn will be linked with the Aberdeen job, and he should be their first-choice candidate. The Dons’ hierarchy should be throwing money and begging the 64-year-old to take on the Pittodrie job. But the Falkirk fans shouldn’t worry too much, making the move north would be a sidewards step at best. McGlynn is loving life at the Bairns and there is little chance that he would fancy a five-hour round trip to Aberdeen, or moving there permanently.