Nisbet leads from front as Aberdeen turn tables on Hearts

What the report says

Aberdeen came from behind to beat Hearts in dramatic fashion at Pittodrie, with captain Kevin Nisbet central to the turnaround in a match that highlighted how much can change in a year for both clubs. BBC Sport Football reported that Hearts had led through Oisin McEntee and looked in control for long spells, while Aberdeen were under pressure to respond after a mixed recent period and summer squad overhaul under manager Stephen Robinson.

The decisive moments arrived in stoppage time. Aberdeen’s leveller followed a free-kick that caused confusion in the Hearts penalty area, with Lewis Mayo credited after the ball was put home, before a foul on Toyosi Olusanya led to a penalty and a red card for Hearts defender Stuart Findlay. Nisbet then converted from the spot to seal the win, giving Aberdeen a notable domestic boost and leaving Hearts to reflect on another match in which a lead slipped away.

For Aberdeen, the result offered an early sign of resilience after Robinson brought in a large number of new players during the close season. He said the team showed more fight and character than he felt was present last year, but stressed it was only one game. For Hearts, the defeat came shortly after a heavy Champions League qualifying loss to Sturm Graz and raised further questions about game management ahead of their Europa League qualifying tie with Benfica in Lisbon. As a general matter, such early-season results can shape momentum, but BBC Sport Football cautioned that it is still too soon to judge either side’s wider campaign.