Derek McInnes unhappy with performance as Hearts drop points at Motherwell

Derek McInnes admitted he was disappointed with the way his Hearts side finished the game in their goalless draw against Motherwell at Fir Park.

The league leaders started the second half brightly before coming under intense pressure in the closing stages.

Goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow produced a string of good saves to ensure the Jambos left with a share of the spoils, but their boss was not totally satisfied.

“We spoke at half-time about more belief in our work and more belief to step into the game,” McInnes said.

“We had some good moments and stifled Motherwell. I don’t think they had any rhythm.

“I thought the game was there to be won, but then in the last 15 minutes we took a step back again.

“We’ve got Alex to thank for our point — if anybody looked like they were going to win it, it was Motherwell.

“I thought we were good enough for our point, though not enough for three points.”

Despite failing to win for the third game on the spin, the Tynecastle gaffer believes there is a need for perspective.

Hearts are currently five points ahead at the top of the William Hill Premiership, though nearest challengers Celtic have two games in hand.

McInnes said: “Our points tally is good. We’ve had one defeat in 14 games, we’re trying to get a bit of perspective.

“Everybody was getting a bit excited, and rightly so, at the start. Other than two or three games, every win has been hard-fought.

“A lot of people leaning into this game were probably anticipating Motherwell beating us.

“It’s a point on the road. We came with a big support and a lot of expectation — it’s our fault the expectation has risen, and we’re alright with that.”

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou says his team’s performance was a demonstration of how far they have come, having squandered a 3–0 lead in their 3–3 draw at Tynecastle earlier in the season.

At Fir Park, however, after holding firm defensively during periods of pressure from the visitors, Askou’s team created numerous chances and almost claimed all three points.

“We are proud, happy and very satisfied — I think it was a top performance in so many ways,” Askou said.

“We’ve come a long way since we last played Hearts, especially in how we control the game when it becomes a little bit hectic.

“You have to accept that we didn’t take the moments, even though they were there, and make sure we do that the next time.

“Back-to-back clean sheets is very pleasing. When you play good teams it gives you a platform to go and win the game.

“It’s also why we had the chance to really push to win the game. We were extremely good defensively against a really good team that have been scoring a lot of goals.

“I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made. It’s really difficult to take a new team and form a new identity in a month or two.”