Heart rates were extremely high over the first ten minutes. They sprinted out of the blocks and could have scored within the first minute if Shankland had found the net instead of Pars custodian Deniz Mehmet’s hands. Their play was fast and quick, with the ball entering the final third as soon as possible.

McInnes was heard yelling at his defenders to get the ball to Shankland and Wilson more quickly. “I thought we started the game like a train and missed two or three really good chances and had Dunfermline where we wanted them,” McInnes informed the crowd.

“We got an early goal, which was the ideal start and exactly what I wished for.

I believed the team’s energy and intelligence were very good in that regard.” Although it did not persist as long as McInnes had hoped, the early traces of his system were evident.

As confidence increases and bodies arrive, there is a good possibility it will be effective.

Among those new faces are likely to be wingers Sabah Kerjota and Pierre Landry Kabore, who have long been speculated to be Hearts players this season. McInnes stated prior to the match that the club is “quite far down the line” in terms of recruiting two wingers, and Saturday’s performance demonstrated why.

Claudio Braga, one of just two starting debutants, on the left, was critical to the Pars’ early success, but the Portuguese were quickly exposed. It was evident that he wasn’t a true winger.

There were hints of his cleverness, and his shining smile at the end was as broad as Gorgie Road, but he will undoubtedly be looking for a crack as a striker shortly.

Alan Forrest’s work ethic on the right was undeniable, but it didn’t click with the 28-year-old. McInnes stated prior to the match that he favours Forrest on the left, but he has also been “really effective” on the right side.

With additional players joining a 29-man team, there will almost certainly be some leaving Tynecastle.

McInnes won’t accept much credit for it, but he was vital in ensuring Scotland striker Shankland stayed at Hearts and signed a new contract.

He praised his captain but never set a clear timeline for a decision on a new deal. His patience and tenacity have paid off, and Hearts is already reaping the benefits.

Shankland didn’t appear to have spent much of the pre-season pondering his choices, let alone vacationing and getting married. The applause he received pre-match as he led his team out was heartfelt, and he received an adoring reception after dispatching two penalties in a smart performance.

His arcing shot off a post also set up Wilson’s opening goal. McInnes stated after the game that in football, especially at this point in the season, games are “won by mistakes” rather than strategy or individual moments. But someone still needs to profit from such mistakes. Step ahead, Shankland.

“When the game needs calmness and that confidence to take a penalty, Lawrence is there,” according to the head coach. “When the game’s in the balance, you’re never going to be in a rush to take somebody like Lawrence off.”

His arcing shot off a post also set up Wilson’s opening goal. McInnes stated after the game that in football, especially at this point in the season, games are “won by mistakes” rather than strategy or individual moments. But someone still needs to profit from such mistakes. Step ahead, Shankland.

“When the game needs calmness and that confidence to take a penalty, Lawrence is there,” according to the head coach.

“When the game’s in the balance, you’re never going to be in a rush to take somebody like Lawrence off.”

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