McInnes angry after loss to Hearts costs them second spot
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes was left fuming with his players after a `lacklustre' performance in a 2-0 defeat at Hearts.
The Dons arrived in Edinburgh second in the table but surrendered that position to Rangers after conceding two quickfire goals at Tynecastle, which they never threatened to overturn.
The Dons hit the post either side of half-time but they were comfortably second best on the day as Hearts cruised to a convincing win that left McInnes dissatisfied after what he described as a `laboured' performance.
`I thought we were lacklustre in possession and played everything too safe,' he admitted after the game.
`Hearts didn't need to do a lot to get their goals, (then) came off the game and allowed us to have the ball.
`We were guilty of poor decision-making. I thought we were laboured, tepid and just not dynamic enough and positive enough with our passing, we were far too safe.'
Steven Naismith and David Milinkovic scored the two goals for the hosts in a two-minute spell that decided the tie, but it was slack defending from Aberdeen that gifted the openings.
Both goals were avoidable,' McInnes said.We were guilty of not dealing with the situation.
`Hearts didn't need to do a lot today. They were the better team hands down and deserved the points but they weren't too expansive (and didn't) outwork us, we beat ourselves today and were not sharp enough with our work and Hearts took full advantage.
`We hit the woodwork twice today but I'm not kidded, Hearts were worthy of their win.
`We are disappointed, we came here 19 points clear of Hearts and with so much to play for, and we didn't show that difference in points or that the game was really important to us.
`I thought we were guilty of a lot of things today and ultimately we took a belt on the nose.'
For the Jambos, it extended an unbeaten run at Tynecastle to 14 matches.
It is a run that has done a lot to secure them a top-six spot in a season of turmoil and aside from gaining three points, manager Craig Levein was delighted to see his side playing better football on what has been a tricky surface this season.
He said: `I was really pleased today with the composure in possession. The pitch is getting better and was quite slick today.
`At times I have bemoaned our willingness to take the ball under pressure but that wasn't the case today.
`I thought, particularly in midfield, we were really good at that.'