Hearts strengthened their position after a 3-1 victory at Tynecastle; Lawrence Shankland reveals why he knew a VAR penalty would be given and how mental work keeps him ready
The evening at Tynecastle ended in celebration for the home fans as Hearts claimed a 3-1 victory over Motherwell. The match swung through moments of tension and excitement: Emmanuel Longelo gave Motherwell the lead early in the second half, an acrobatic finish from Claudio Braga hauled the hosts level, and a late penalty from Lawrence Shankland put Hearts ahead before Landry Kabore wrapped up the win deep into stoppage time.
The result kept Hearts unbeaten at home this season and reinforced their place at the summit as the league approaches the post-split run of fixtures.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric and, at times, frayed with nerves — a sign of how much is riding on every game in this title chase.
Shankland admitted he felt the weight of expectation but described it as a stimulating form of pressure that the squad welcome. He also revealed he had a clear instinct the video assistant referee would intervene when contact occurred in the box, and that belief proved correct when a VAR check resulted in the awarded spot-kick that changed the final stages of the contest.
The flow of the match
The first half passed without goals, although both sides produced moments that tested the opposition goalkeeper. Hearts fashioned early openings from set plays and close-range efforts, while Motherwell threatened on counter attacks and forced smart saves. The game’s tempo was influenced by Tynecastle’s gusty conditions and the tactical adjustments both managers deployed, with Hearts probing for openings and Motherwell looking to capitalise on transitions.
Shortly after the break Motherwell struck when Tawanda Maswanhise created space down the flank and found Emmanuel Longelo to tap home. Hearts gradually regained control and were rewarded when Braga produced a spectacular finish from a second-phase set-piece to make it level. The decisive moment arrived late: after a challenge left Kabore on the ground and a subsequent review by the officials, the on-field decision was overturned to give Hearts a penalty, which Shankland converted confidently. Kabore’s composed run and finish in stoppage time then ensured the three points stayed in Gorgie.
Shankland on pressure, penalties and preparation
Why he expected the VAR decision
Shankland said he sensed the referee might be asked to look again when he saw the collision in the box. For him, the contact was obvious and the logic was straightforward: if a player is impeded while attempting to play the ball, a penalty follows. He emphasised that part of the reason he felt certain was from an on-pitch perspective — seeing a teammate struck while making a play — and that the eventual award validated that instinct. When the call came, he stepped forward and struck the penalty with the calm that comes from repeated practice.
Mindset and recovery
The striker also discussed his return from a hamstring problem and explained how training and work with support staff have helped him rebuild match fitness. He mentioned long-term investment in the psychological side of his game, crediting sessions with a mindset coach for providing tools to manage emotional pressure and the mental swings that accompany tight contests. That combination of physical rehab and mental training, he said, allows him to make clear decisions under stress — whether choosing a penalty technique or dealing with a hostile crowd.
Reactions, context and what’s next
From the visiting camp, Motherwell’s manager voiced frustration at the penalty decision and drew comparisons with other incidents he felt had been judged differently. He reflected that his team had created chances and had periods of control, but ultimately could not convert enough of their opportunities. The result leaves Hearts with momentum as they head into a run of five crucial fixtures after the split, beginning with a high-profile away test at Hibs in the coming fortnight.
Managerial comments, player performances and a crowd of around 18,800 made the night one to remember for Hearts supporters. The victory reinforced the squad’s belief that the pressure of competing at the top is a welcome challenge, and it highlighted how small margins and technological interventions like VAR can tilt outcomes in tightly contested matches. As the league moves toward its decisive phase, Hearts will seek to maintain consistency while opponents aim to close the gap.
