Hearts manager Derek McInnes has lauded veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon for a breathtaking last-gasp save that secured what he described as the Premiership leaders' "best three points of the season" in a dramatic 1-0 victory away to Dundee.
Gordon's Heroic Intervention Seals Victory
The match at Dens Park took a decisive turn just before half-time when Hearts' first-choice goalkeeper, Alexander Schwolow, was sent off. This prompted McInnes to introduce 43-year-old Craig Gordon for his first league appearance of the campaign.
With Claudio Braga's first-half strike separating the sides, Hearts were forced to defend their slender lead with ten men for the entire second half. The drama peaked in the final seconds when Dundee's Emile Acquah seemed destined to score with a powerful header, only for Gordon to pull off a miraculous, instinctive stop to preserve the clean sheet and clinch the win.
"I thought it was past him, I really did," admitted a relieved McInnes after the final whistle. "It beats the majority of keepers. We're fortunate to have Craig—his experience, know-how and ability at 43 years of age. The reflexes are first class and that save was instinctive."
McInnes Hails Team Character and Defensive Resolve
The victory consolidated Hearts' three-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, a position of increasing significance with rivals Rangers and Celtic also winning over the weekend. McInnes, however, insisted his focus remains solely on his own team's performances.
"I genuinely don't care what others are doing," stated the Hearts boss. "We knew that if we won today it would strengthen our position at the top of the league, and that's all we focus on."
He reserved special praise for his team's defensive effort, particularly highlighting stand-in left-back Jamie McCart, who made his first start of the season due to injuries to Harry Milne and Stephen Kingsley. "Jamie deserves huge credit," McInnes said. "He wasn't playing in his natural position... and dealt with it brilliantly. His experience was vital."
Reflecting on the significance of the hard-fought win, McInnes added: "For me, that feels like the best three points of the season... We had to do so much right. It does feel like that's the best one yet for loads of reasons."
Dundee Rue Missed Opportunity
Dundee manager Steven Pressley was left to rue his side's misfortune, believing they deserved at least a point from the contest. "Even 11 v 11, I felt we were the better team," Pressley claimed. "We were really aggressive in our play... With the exception of the goal, we never looked in danger."
He acknowledged the challenge of breaking down a resolute ten-man defence in the second half but felt his team created enough to score. "We did what we wanted to do... and really ask questions of them. But, you know, credit to them," he conceded.
The result leaves Hearts in a commanding position as they pursue a first top-flight title since 1960, with Gordon's experience and stunning reflexes proving once again to be a priceless asset for the Tynecastle side.
