3 talking points as Aberdeen hurt Hearts to shoot up table as Jambos reach crisis point

Aberdeen jumped to fourth in the table with a 2-0 win over sorry Hearts, who are making heavy weather of things at both ends of the pitch.

The injuries continue to pile up for Robbie Neilson, who is facing a selection crisis – especially at the back. What isn't helping is some shocking finishing despite creating clear cut chances, which are then being punished as teams take full advantage of a patched up back line. Luis Lopes and Vicente Besuijen were the latest to put them to the sword with two well taken second half goals, although there wasn't nearly enough done to prevent either by the men in maroon. The opening half-an-hour produced little in the way of chances. Stephen Humphrys sent an effort over from distance. Bojan Miovski had Aberdeen's best opportunity but dragged his shot wide after holding off Kingsley.

For the second Sunday in succession, Hearts missed an absolute sitter. Humphrys did well on the right before rolling the ball across goal to the arriving Alex Cochrane. With virtually an open goal to roll into, the wing back manage to send a pitiful effort straight at Kelle Roos as he raced back into goal, wasting a huge opportunity.

Cochrane did well to wriggle free on the left and pulled it back for Lawrence Shankland. The Hearts number nine connected, but the ball was slightly behind him and he sent a first-time shot wide of the near post.

The Jambos were having the better of it as the first half wore on. Humphrys again was the focal point, setting up Robert Snodgrass, who sent a low drive towards goal that Roos did well to hold.

Aberdeen should have scored right on half-time. Toby Sibbick gifted possession to Miovski, who played Luis Lopes in on goal. The Portuguese forward tried to find the top