Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has heaped praise on Hearts' incredible fighting spirit after watching his side concede a heartbreaking late equaliser at a raucous Tynecastle Park.
The Dons looked set to secure a valuable away victory until Lawrence Shankland's 89th-minute header salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw for the Edinburgh side, extending their impressive unbeaten run.
Never-Say-Die Attitude Earns Points
"You have to credit Hearts - they have that never-say-die attitude," McInnes admitted in his post-match analysis. "Even when the clock was ticking down, they kept believing, kept pushing, and got their reward."
The Aberdeen boss pointed to Hearts' remarkable consistency this season, noting how they've repeatedly found ways to secure points from difficult positions. "That's the mark of a good team," he added. "They don't know when they're beaten."
Title Credentials Becoming Hard to Ignore
McInnes didn't shy away from discussing Hearts' growing credentials as genuine title challengers. "When you look at their form, their squad depth, and the atmosphere they generate here at Tynecastle, you have to consider them in the conversation," he stated.
The draw means Hearts maintain their strong position near the top of the Scottish Premiership table, with their unbeaten streak now capturing the attention of the entire league.
Tynecastle Fortress
McInnes highlighted the significance of Tynecastle Park in Hearts' success story. "This ground becomes a real fortress for them," he explained. "The crowd gets behind them, the pitch is tight, and they use that to their advantage perfectly."
Hearts manager Steven Naismith will be delighted with his team's resilience, particularly after facing a determined Aberdeen side that had taken the lead twice during the match.
As the Scottish Premiership season develops, Hearts' ability to grind out results when not at their best suggests they could be serious contenders in what promises to be an enthralling title race.
