Beyonce was in town but the Tynecastle faithful were left more “crazy in love” with captain Lawrence Shankland - after he fired Hearts firmly into the fight for third place.
It was a must-win for the Jambos and they did exactly that as they came from behind to claim this vital win. Mattie Pollock had put Aberdeen ahead but a brilliant solo hit from Josh Ginnelly levelled and allowed Shankland to steal the glory. Beyonce was playing at Murrayfield hence the reason this kick-off was moved forward. It was 'Shanks' who had the Jambos singing from the rooftops as he took centre stage with his 27th goal of the season.
Hearts, as a result, are now two points behind the Dons with two games to go. Stevie Naismith's men will probably need another two big results against Rangers and Hibs, though, to get back into the fight for what could be potentially European football until Christmas, if Celtic win the Scottish Cup. As for the Dons, they will be left licking their wounds. They could have all but wrapped up third but now they must take care of St Mirren and then see if their final day trip to Celtic comes into play.
It had been more than four months since the Dons had taken that sore 5-0 defeat in Gorgie near the end of Jim Goodwin’s time in charge. Quite a lot has changed in that time.
Goodwin’s team had gone into the World Cup break in third but the post collapse left the Dons 10 points behind the Jambos. Robson, initially, came in as interim boss but such was the turnaround fortunes in both clubs that Aberdeen came into this game clear in third, while Hearts had also swapped Robbie Neilson for Naismith in a bid to turn the tide back .
Hearts knew they needed the win and went for it. Kelle Roos had to get down to hold a low curling Lawrence Shankland shot and had to do even better to keep out Yutaro Oda’s effort with his legs. Aberdeen defended resolutely, as they have done pretty much in Robson’s time in charge.
They started to come into it and Kye Rowles misjudged Leighton Clarkson’s long ball and that gave Marley Watkins a sight of goal, forcing Zander Clark into a save. There was a VAR check for a penalty, after Peter Haring challenged Marley Watkins, but nothing was given.
The Dons then took the lead in the 31st minute. Clarkson’s back post corner was met by the head of Pollock who rose highest to head home.
Hearts should have been level but Alex Cochrane was denied by a saving block and then Roos saved Shankland’s header. It looked like it was all going a bit flat for Hearts until Josh Ginnelly lit the fuse.
Cochrane played it into Barrie McKay and he found Ginnelly who rifled it home an unstoppable shot from outside the box. Hearts got their tails up and were on top in the second half.
It was no surprise to see them take the lead in the 56th minute when Cochrane’s low cross was swept into the top corner by Shankland. Robson immediately changed shape but he was unable to change the final outcome.
Is the fight for third place back in the melting pot?
Aberdeen came into this game with third place pretty much in their hands. They had a five point advantage. It was a game Hearts had to win and, in fairness, they did. It is still in Aberdeen’s hands. The Dons still have a two point lead and they could effectively wrap things up in midweek. If they were to beat St Mirren then Hearts would need to beat Rangers at Ibrox to remain in the fight. The dice is certainly loaded in Aberdeen’s favour. All Hearts can do is try to win both their games. Then, of course, it also depends on what chasing rivals, Hibs, can do in their remaining matches.
Goal of the season contender
There has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the goal of the season. Jota’s goal against Rangers got the PFA vote but Hearts fans will believe Josh Ginnelly’s wonder strike eclipsed that with his leveller. He might not have been at Haymarket Station but he was a fair distance out when he nearly burst Kelle Roos’s net. It was massive in getting Hearts back in this game and keeping them alive in the race for third.
How would Aberdeen cope without Duk?
The talisman striker had gone off against Hibs with a hamstring issue. It was a major blow for the Dons, who will be hoping he will be able to play a part in the final two games. It wasn’t just his 18 goals Aberdeen were losing but also his pace and the threat he offers. It was Marley Watkins who got the nod. The experienced striker hasn’t started a lot of games recently but he put in a real shift. He led the line, linked with Bojan Miovksi and also offered a goal threat.
