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Aberdeen v Hearts highlights
23/11/25
Hearts’ impressive run in the Scottish Premiership faced a setback this season, as they suffered their first defeat against Aberdeen with a score of 1-0 on Sunday, despite winning nine of their initial 12 league matches.
While they maintain a four-point lead over Celtic, having played one more game, their performance has seen them drop points in three of their last four outings.
Adding to their concerns, the team awaits the results of Lawrence Shankland’s calf scan, as their leading scorer was absent during the defeat at Pittodrie.
Comparisons have emerged between Hearts’ strong start and Aberdeen’s form last season, where they secured 10 victories in their first 11 games, challenging Celtic before enduring a 14-match winless streak.
Under Jimmy Thelin, Aberdeen concluded the Premiership season in fifth place, yet triumphed over Celtic at Hampden to claim the Scottish Cup.
Despite the recent loss, head coach Derek McInnes has opted against sounding the alarm, raising the question of whether the team’s recent stumble warrants concern.
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The evidence from Sunday’s game suggests not necessarily.
Hearts dominated a match played in adverse weather conditions, squandering several opportunities both before and after the interval.
Notable missed chances included Frankie Kent’s header directed straight at the goalkeeper from close range, Harry Milne’s shot hitting the crossbar, Tomas Magnusson’s header aimed directly at Dimitar Mitov, and Claudio Braga being denied a clear scoring opportunity.
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart commented, “Hearts only have themselves to blame for not coming away with three points. They had enough opportunities.”
Aberdeen capitalized on their limited chances, with Topi Keskinen finding the bottom corner after Kent’s failure to clear.
McInnes reflected, “I thought we were the better team, created the better chances, but we don’t show the poise or quality for the final bit. We looked rushed at times.”
“If we’d scored, it makes it a totally different environment for Aberdeen.”
“We thought we’d done enough today not to lose. I was actually quite encouraged by the performance today without Lawrence and Craig Halkett.”
“When you lose a game of football, you need to respond and I’ve no doubts we will respond.”
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‘No doubts we will respond’ – McInnes
Hearts’ performance this season has seen them exceed expected goals, with 29 goals scored against an xG of 22.46, raising concerns about the sustainability of their high-scoring form, particularly if Shankland faces an extended absence.
Pierre Landry Kabore, making only his fifth appearance for the club, partnered Braga on Sunday and showed promise but missed a key opportunity.
Despite the defeat, former Scotland striker Kris Boyd sees no reason for alarm.
He commented on Sky Sports, “One win in four, it’s a slight concern. I don’t think Hearts had a bad player on the pitch. I thought they defended reasonably well, they just lacked that cutting edge. It just wasn’t to be in front of goal.”
McInnes’ side now faces Motherwell on Saturday, followed by a challenging December schedule against Kilmarnock, Celtic, Falkirk, Rangers, and city rivals Hibernian.
McInnes stated, “I don’t think it’s a daunting run at all. We’ve got exciting games and games we can go and win.”
“We’ll be bouncing into our work and getting ready to go again.”
“We know who we play for, we’re enjoying being top of the league. We’re enjoying winning games more than we’re not and it’s important we get back to that feeling.”
Stand-in captain Cammy Devlin echoed his manager’s sentiments.
He said, “The best thing is we only have to wait six days for our next game. It is about not feeling sorry for ourselves – we were going to lose a game.”
“Just get back to training, work as hard as we can and turn today’s feeling into smiles and getting that winning feeling back again.”
Paul: Hearts’ bubble has well and truly burst.
Alasdair: That Callum McGregor goal for Celtic last night felt like a potential pivotal moment for the season. This result today seems to confirm it.
Colin: Celtic back on top for Christmas.
Jimmy: Hearts will be third by Christmas and won’t finish higher than fourth.
Peter: Hearts are just as vulnerable as any other team. This result will have a massive impact on them. There will be a whole different dynamic in their team bus going home with no points. They have also been on the right side of some very controversial VAR decisions.
Alan: A defeat was going to come at some stage. Disappointed but it’s all about how we react now. Bounce back stronger and win the next one.
Ruddiger: The only bubble burst is the one other folk blew up in our name. 30 points from 39 is not something to be upset about.
Steven: Does/did anyone seriously believe Hearts were/are title contenders? As Rangers managers from Michael Beale to Philippe Clement have found out, talking a great game always ends with the same outcome – Celtic winning the league. It’s not easy. I will hold my hands up if I’m wrong but McInnes doesn’t win trophies and Bloom – no doubt talented – has just put a lot of unnecessary pressure on him.
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