Hearts 2-0 Aberdeen: Jorge Grant and Lawrence Shankland drain Dons’ hopes of third

Second-half goals from Jorge Grant and Lawrence Shankland extended Hearts’ unbeaten run to eight matches and drain Aberdeen’s hopes of finishing third in the Scottish Premiership.

But despite losing his form from the spot, Shankland proved again what a potent finisher he is by guiding in Hearts’ second from the edge of the box with the outside of his right boot.

That killed Aberdeen’s chances of winning, and likely of finishing best of the rest again as they slip 19 points behind third-place Hearts, albeit with three games in hand.

When Grant confidently finished his penalty it felt harsh on Aberdeen, who created the better chances in the first half, and had the ball in the net too.

Bojan Miovksi curled a wonderful shot beyond goalkeeper Zander Clark, but referee Kevin Clancy was called to have a second look by the video assistant referee, and ruled the Aberdeen striker had tripped Beni Baningime on his way into the box.

It felt like a significant moment for the visitors, who have come under increasing scrutiny for their lowly league position, and their habit of fading in games returned as Hearts took control.

When the ball struck Devlin’s outstretched arm to give Grant the chance to break the deadlock, Steven Naismith’s side never looked back and Alan Forrest and Kenneth Vargas could have added to the scoreline.

And despite being fairly quiet, it was almost inevitable Shankland would have a say against his former club. After getting some luck with the bounce of the ball, the Scotland striker superbly placed in his 19th goal of the season and eighth in his last eight games.

Player of the match – Stephen Kinglsey

Hearts’ winning mentality, Aberdeen clouds gather – analysis

Hearts started the day 16 points clear of Aberdeen, and the incentive was there to deal the Dons hopes of catching them in the race for third a brutal blow. Like on Tuesday against Dundee they started poorly and were outplayed in midfield.

But they were able to rely on centre-backs Frankie Kent and Stephen Kingsley to keep Aberdeen at bay, and for the third home game in a row they regained composure and asserted some pressure.

Alan Forrest again played a big part in that, as his skill and cross down the left earned the penalty which set them on their way. The team may not be clicking in precisely the way Naismith – or some fans – would like. However, they keep finding ways to win and produce when it counts.

They have won 10 of their last 13 league games, and are now 10 points clear in third. Last season they held a similar advantage and collapsed. That does not seem on the cards this time.

As for Aberdeen, the first half was as good as they have played for some time. Graeme Shinnie was a terrier in midfield, and they created chances with Jamie McGrath, Dante Polvara, and Leighton Clarkson passing up opportunities in addition to Miovski’s disallowed goal.

But when they fell behind, there was almost no response. They have now conceded 15 goals in the final 15 minutes of games, more than any other side. That is enough to question fitness, mentality, or tactical direction during games.

Robson knows he is under pressure to deliver results in the league, and he keeps impressing the need for consistency. But his side do not deliver it. Not just between games, but during them.

The question looming is whether the manager can get the team to deliver. With Celtic and Rangers to come after a midweek meeting with Dundee, the clouds are gathering.

What’s next?

Aberdeen welcome Dundee to Pittodrie on Tuesday night (19:45 GMT) before Tony Docherty’s side then host Hearts next Saturday (15:00).