Analysis The numbers behind the result
Nisbet's late double seals Aberdeen's comeback victory
Aberdeen's 2-1 win over Hearts was a tale of contrasting efficiency, with the hosts capitalising on their opportunities despite being outshot. Hearts created the better volume of chances, registering 19 total shots (12 inside the box) to Aberdeen's 11, but Aberdeen's superior shot quality saw them post a higher xG (2.32 vs 1.36). This proved decisive in a match where both sides struggled to convert their chances for much of the game.
Hearts opened the scoring through Oisin McEntee's 35th-minute goal, but Aberdeen's persistence paid off late. Kevin Nisbet emerged as the hero with two goals in quick succession — a 90th-minute equaliser assisted by Lewis Mayo and a 90+5th-minute penalty. Heart's task became harder when Stuart Findlay was sent off in the 90+3rd minute, leaving them exposed in the closing stages. Despite Hearts' higher shot count, Aberdeen's ability to create higher-quality chances and Nisbet's clinical finishing proved the difference.
The key stat lies in Aberdeen's shot efficiency: they converted two of their three shots on target, while Hearts managed just one goal from four. This clinical edge, coupled with Hearts' late defensive lapse, ultimately determined the outcome.