TOUGH AT THE TOPI

Hearts suffer at Pittodrie yet again as Keskinen comes up with crucial Finnish for Dons

- SCOTT BURNS AT PITTODRIE

HEARTS crashed to their first league defeat of the season as their long-running Pittodrie jinx continues to haunt them.

Topi Keskinen's goal was enough to bring an end to the league leaders' 12-game unbeaten run.

It was an afternoon to forget for Jambos boss Derek McInnes on his return to Aberdeen.

Hearts hadn't won in the Granite City in the league since 2016 - so maybe this loss will not go down as the biggest of surprises.

Perhaps it was in terms of league positions but Aberdeen, under Jimmy Thelin, have shown signs of progress in recent weeks.

Yes, they are still in the bottom six but this win was a statement three points and should be a massive shot in the arm.

The Dons will hope they can keep that going, with another big week coming up in the Conference League.

Noah come to Pittodrie and a win is required if Thelin's boys are to have a genuine chance of knockout football.

Hearts now need to pick themselves up from this first league setback at Motherwell come Saturday.

They remain four points clear at the top but Celtic can cut that to one by winning their game in hand.

The Dons and Jambos had racked up disappointing draws before the international break and were keen to get back on the winning rails.

Aberdeen had the first chance but young Dylan Lobban's shot was easily held by Alexander Schwolow.

Hearts then had the slightly better of the action and looked the more dangerous, although they were unable to take their chances.