Hearts 2-0 Aberdeen: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Hearts 2-0 Aberdeen in the Premiership on Monday, 04 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match

Hearts secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Aberdeen at home, extending their winning streak to five matches. The game's opening goal came early when Graeme Shinnie inadvertently scored an own goal in the 11th minute, setting the tone for Hearts' dominance. Stuart Findlay's goal in the 73rd minute sealed the win, showcasing Hearts' ability to capitalize on their opportunities. Given Aberdeen's recent form, which included four consecutive losses, the result was not entirely surprising, but Hearts' continued success and solid performance underline their strong start to the season.

Aberdeen struggled to find their footing throughout the match, unable to break through Hearts' defense. Despite having slightly more possession, they failed to convert it into meaningful chances, reflecting their ongoing challenges. Hearts, on the other hand, demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, maintaining their unbeaten run and reinforcing their position at the top of the league. This match highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with Hearts looking increasingly formidable and Aberdeen needing to regroup quickly.

The statistics from the match between Hearts and Aberdeen reveal a closely contested game, yet the final scoreline favored Hearts. Both teams had an equal number of corners (3 each), indicating similar opportunities from set pieces, but Hearts were more effective in converting their chances. Aberdeen had a slight edge in possession with 52% compared to Hearts' 48%, yet this did not translate into goals. The higher number of yellow cards for Hearts (3) compared to Aberdeen (2) suggests a more aggressive approach from the home side, which may have contributed to their victory.

The successful dribbles percentage was nearly identical, with Hearts at 48% and Aberdeen at 46%, showing that both teams were competitive in ball control. Despite Aberdeen's marginal advantage in possession, Hearts' efficiency in front of goal and their disciplined defensive performance were key factors in securing the win. The statistics align well with the result, highlighting Hearts' ability to make the most of their opportunities while maintaining a solid defensive structure.

The match's pivotal moment came early when Graeme Shinnie's own goal in the 11th minute gave Hearts the lead. This early advantage allowed Hearts to control the game's tempo and put pressure on Aberdeen throughout the match. The second goal, scored by Stuart Findlay in the 73rd minute, came from a well-executed move and effectively sealed the victory for Hearts. These goals were crucial in determining the outcome, as Aberdeen struggled to respond effectively.

Several other key moments influenced the game's flow. Hearts received three yellow cards, indicating their commitment to a robust defensive strategy. Aberdeen's yellow cards and substitutions in the latter stages of the game suggested a desperate attempt to change the momentum, but to no avail. The substitutions made by both teams around the 70th minute did not significantly alter the course of the match, with Hearts maintaining their lead and ultimately securing the win.

Hearts lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Zander Clark in goal and a back three of Frankie Kent, Craig Halkett, and Stuart Findlay. The midfield was anchored by Christian Borchgrevink, Oisin McEntee, and Cammy Devlin, with Blair Spittal and Harry Milne providing width. Up front, Lawrence Shankland and Cláudio Braga led the attack. The lineup was largely expected, with no major surprises in the starting XI.

The impact of the substitutions was notable, with Michael Steinwender, Alexandros Kiziridis, Alan Forrest, James Wilson, and Tómas Bent Magnússon coming on to maintain Hearts' momentum. Stuart Findlay's goal and overall performance stood out, contributing significantly to the team's victory. The formation and lineup choices proved effective, allowing Hearts to control the game and secure a crucial win.

Aberdeen opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Dimitar Mitov in goal and a back four of Alexander Jensen, Jack Milne, Mats Knoester, and Graeme Shinnie. The midfield was composed of Leighton Clarkson and Sivert Heltne Nilsen, with Nicolas Milanovic, Adil Aouchiche, and Topi Keskinen supporting striker Kusini Yengi. The line-up was typical for Aberdeen, with no significant surprises.

The substitutions made by Aberdeen, including Fletcher Boyd, Dante Polvara, Shayden Morris, Ester Sokler, and Nicky Devlin, were attempts to change the game's dynamics, but they did not yield the desired impact. Graeme Shinnie's own goal early in the match was a critical moment, and the team struggled to recover from this setback. The line-up and formation did not provide the necessary spark to challenge Hearts effectively, highlighting areas for improvement.

Stuart Findlay is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match for his standout performance against Aberdeen. His goal in the 73rd minute was crucial in securing the victory for Hearts, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Additionally, Findlay created one big chance and made one key pass, showcasing his all-around contribution to the team's success. His performance was instrumental in Hearts' continued dominance and unbeaten run.

Recent Premiership matches:

• Win: 2-0 vs Aberdeen (H)

Recent Premiership matches:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Hearts (A)

Sitting atop the league with 3 points, Hearts will face Dundee United, who are in 4th place with 1 point, on August 09, 2025, at 14:00. This result has bolstered their confidence, and they will likely approach the upcoming match with a strategy focused on maintaining their winning streak and solid defensive performance.

With a challenging start to the season, Aberdeen find themselves at the bottom of the league with 0 points. They will take on Celtic, who are in 3rd place with 3 points, on August 10, 2025, at 11:30. This loss has highlighted the need for Aberdeen to regroup and find a way to turn their fortunes around in their next fixture.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.