Hearts continue to show their steel at the top of the Scottish Premiership, having led the table for all but one of the last 166 days. With a weekend off from league action, fans can finally relax, their nerves spared after a tense 3-1 victory over Motherwell.

While Motherwell have earned praise for their attractive style this season, their dramatic late collapse felt like a preview of an Edinburgh Fringe performance. The pivotal moment, however, was a refereeing decision that sparked controversy.

A clear penalty was awarded for a high boot to Pierre Landry Kabore's head, though the initial missed call by referee Matthew MacDermid was a major frustration. This is precisely where VAR proved its worth; despite its critics, Steven McLean's intervention from the booth ensured the correct outcome.

The match hung in the balance, especially after Tawanda Maswanhise missed a golden chance to put Motherwell ahead. But even with neutral glasses on, Hearts deserved their three points. The real story was manager Derek McInnes's bold tactical masterstroke.

After calling for more proactivity, McInnes delivered by switching to a daring 4-2-4 formation with half an hour left and the score at 1-1. Introducing Kabore and Sabah Kerjota on the right flank was a high-risk move that paid spectacular dividends.

Kerjota thrived with the extended minutes, and Kabore's late goal was a just reward for being given time to influence the game. This proactive management has now created a welcome selection dilemma for the run-in.

Kabore looks reborn as a confident goal threat, Kerjota is staking a serious claim for a starting spot, and the imminent return of Marc Leonard from suspension adds further depth. Just in time for the final five games, Hearts' squad is hitting its stride when it matters most.