One point gained or two points dropped for Hearts?

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Motherwell 1 - 1 Hearts

Hearts edged four points clear of Celtic in this endlessly epic Scottish Premiership title race after drawing at Motherwell

Author | Ryan Dixon

Stadium | Fir Park

The league leaders missed the chance to put maximum pressure on the defending champions before Sunday's Glasgow derby.

A closer analysis of what happened

A trip to Fir Park has become one of the sternest assignments in Scottish football this season and, despite an early effort from Shankland that was superbly blocked by Stephen O'Donnell, Hearts initially appeared tired against the fourth-placed hosts.

Derek McInnes' side managed to come from behind to earn points for the fifth game in a row when Lawrence Shankland cancelled out Stephen Kingsley's own goal.

Despite a second-half surge, Hearts could not find a winner amid dramatic scenes that included a Motherwell disallowed goal, injuries to key players and a controversial decision not to award Hearts a penalty.

What happens next then?

Hearts know that victory in their penultimate game against Falkirk at Tynecastle on Wednesday means they would - at worst - go to Celtic Park on Saturday needing to avoid defeat to win a first league title since 1960.

A valuable point?

When chasing a historic league title against the odds, any dropped points can feel damaging.

Yet given Hearts' inconsistent away form of late, with only one win from their previous five matches on the road, and Motherwell's impressive home record as they push for European qualification, this may prove to be a valuable point that keeps the pressure on Celtic.

Derek McInnes will want his side to stop conceding first, but their mentality and resilience cannot be doubted. No team in the league has recovered more points from losing positions this season.
Watch | Post match reaction from the Hearts manager
 

Hearts also have players like Lawrence Shankland who continue to deliver in decisive moments.

The major flashpoint centred on referee Steven McLean and his decision not to overturn the original call after Hearts appealed for a penalty following the challenge on Georgios Kyziridis.

Replays appeared to show Tawanda Maswanhise stepping on the winger's foot, although the contact was slight. As McLean walked towards the monitor, many expected the familiar gesture pointing to the spot.

Instead, there was near disbelief when no penalty was awarded. Should Hearts fall short in the title race, the incident is certain to be revisited repeatedly, and McInnes was furious at full-time.

Location: 15 Fir Park St, Motherwell ML1 2QN, UK

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