Hearts 2-0 Aberdeen: Steven Naismith says third place in Scottish Premiership 'not wrapped up'
- Published
Lawrence Shankland's 19th goal of the season wrapped up victory for Hearts
Hearts manager Steven Naismith says "nothing is wrapped up in January" as his side extended their unbeaten run to eight matches and moved 10 points clear in third place in the Scottish Premiership by beating Aberdeen.
After a lively first half in which Aberdeen created the better opportunities, Hearts had begun to take control before Jorge Grant effortlessly stroked a penalty into the top corner just before the hour mark when Nicky Devlin was punished for handball.
Lawrence Shankland, who had ceded penalty duties to Grant after missing his last three, then guided 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.
"Nothing is wrapped up in January," Naismith told BBC Scotland. "But we're going well. Our form and stats record are good, but we can be better.
"The achievement so far is good, we'll get a pat on the back and we've come through difficult circumstances. Pundits and people in the media wanted to talk us down - we accepted it and got on with our job.
"We'll get the plaudits at the moment but we can have so many better stats come the end of the season so that's the drive from now."
When Grant confidently finished his penalty it felt harsh on Aberdeen, who were aggressive 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, 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
Kingsley was solid at the back and composed on the ball. An imperious display
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, Hearts 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.
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 of Kilmarnock 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 any more from the squad. With Celtic and Rangers to come after a midweek meeting with Dundee, the clouds are gathering.
What they said
Hearts manager Steven Naismith: "There wasn't much between the sides. They were really aggressive, up man for man and we came out second best.
"We tweaked a bit at half-time, we start quite well and get a penalty, and that just settled us. We played good in the second half. It was two, but it could have been more."
Aberdeen manager Barry Robson: "I thought first half we played well. We were the best team and scored a really good goal. For whatever reason it was cancelled out, another decision that's gone against us.
"Second half we come out still 0-0 and first 10 or 15 minutes we were the team doing all the attacking and playing well, and then you get a penalty against you. The bit I'm angry about is us as a team after that. When you go a goal down, you have to be better."
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).