Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts dropped points for only the third time this season as Dundee United battled back for a draw at Tynecastle.

When Alexandros Kyziridis' long-range strike kissed a post and went in off United goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko, it felt like normal service would resume for Hearts this season, after nine wins from 11 games.

However, Luca Stephenson's precise header just before half-time ended up securing a draw for an injury-hit Dundee United side.

But not before a frenetic and pulsating second-half unfolded as Hearts pressed to at least keep their nine-point lead over Celtic intact.

United, though, were a serious threat on the break and thought briefly they may have grabbed a crucial second goal when Amar Fatah finished Zac Sapsford's cross.

But the offside flag went up against Sapsford, who made his run just too soon before bamboozling Stuart Findlay and teeing up Fatah.

The Australian also had the ball in the net himself twice, once in each half, but he was clearly offside both times.

Hearts got the ball forward quickly and put United under serious pressure, but a combination of good defending and a lack of composure meant they were left frustrated.

Their lead over Celtic is now down to seven points having played one game more than the defending champions.

Hearts have overpowered everyone but Motherwell at Tynecastle this season with their aggressive, all-action play which forces teams to defend their own box constantly.

Derek McInnes' side produced it again here, ending up with 81 entries into United's final third and delivering 21 crosses. However, this time they finished with just two shots on target.

Kyziridis' shot off the post lead to the opener but some of his deliveries were not finished off, and generally the final pass was not quite there.

It will not concern McInnes much after a brilliant start, but if the title is an aspiration then any points spilled is painful.

Part of Hearts' frustration was down to United's back three defending their penalty area stoutly, and despite missing key players like Craig Sibbald and Will Ferry, Jim Goodwin's side impressed.

Panutche Camara was magnificent again in a midfield two, touching the ball more times than any United player and making the most accurate passes too as he constantly got them moving up the pitch amid the heat of the battle.

Like Hearts, though, the final ball or strike was an issue.

Amar Fatah's skill was clear and his flighted corner for Stephenson was brilliant, but other times his end product was lacking, while Sapsford required slightly more awareness to keep himself onside for the disallowed goals despite an all-round good performance.

United will be satisfied with a draw after conceding the first goal for the sixth straight game.

If they can get their full squad fit then they will be a threat to any side.

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "We'll take the point. We had a wee bit of an off day and players are allowed that.

"The decisions were right from the referee, other than the three minutes of injury time. That was madness.

"If that was Celtic or Rangers at the top of the league, there would have been a lot more than three minutes I can tell you that."

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "Hearts had plenty of possession but they never caused us too many problems. We defended our box brilliantly.

"I can't remember my goalkeeper having too many saves to make.

"It was a good game and performance and reaction from the Motherwell performance.

"If you take that game in isolation our run of results have not been too bad at all."

Hearts face a trip to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen after the international break on 23 November (15:00 GMT).

Dundee United host Falkirk the day before (15:00).