The Players Set The Tone
If you had to describe what every Edinburgh Derby needs there’s certainly three things that come to mind: passion, aggression and fight.
“We need to win our individual battles” said Lee Johnson ahead of the game and the players certainly did from the very first minute.
Whether that be CJ Egan-Riley, new to the Edinburgh Derby, wiping out Barrie McKay on the 10-minute mark and receiving a yellow card, the flurry of tackles from Joe Newell, Lewis Stevenson and Jake Doyle-Hayes, or Josh Campbell’s attempt to win a header in the 91st minute… the players were up for it.
Joe Newell (above) and James Jeggo topped the tackle charts with six and five respectively with Doyle-Hayes’ dogged approach (below) putting Hearts under a lot of pressure, something that was epitomised by the number of the second balls that the Hibees picked up. This midfield three could be one that Johnson continues to utilise over a period of time.
A Change Of Approach
Supporters may have noticed two big differences in Lee Johnson’s side’s style of play on Saturday, the first being the number of crosses whipped into the box.
With Chris Cadden playing on the right wing, instead of his usual right back role, he provided great width and a creative outlet in an attempt to catch the Hearts defender napping.
Cadds attempted nine crosses during the game looking to hit Kevin Nisbet or Élie Youan, who came in at the back post, early.
The second was a more direct approach trying to feed Nisbet one vs one with Kye Rowles or to stretch the play using the speed of Youan.
This style of football created a number of opportunity for the Hibees and led to goal scoring opportunities.
Threat From Set Pieces
Hibs have become a real threat from set pieces this season scoring the third highest number of goals (13) from them in the cinch Premiership; only behind Celtic and Rangers.
One of those came on Saturday, albeit on the second phase of the corner. Paul Hanlon kept Jake Doyle-Hayes’ set piece alive at the back post, before Kevin Nisbet came alive in the box to fire in the winner.
Statistically we have the highest shot % from set pieces (11%) in the cinch Premiership.
A lot of work went into dead ball situations this season with the introduction of a set piece coach, who works with Johnson and the players sporadically throughout the campaign.
Kevin Nisbet
The match-winner that’s becoming a complete striker under the guidance of Lee Johnson.
After his ACL injury, it wouldn’t have been uncommon to presume it may have taken him some time to return in the same goal-scoring vain, but arguably he’s come back better and stronger than before.
Firstly, his goal-scoring record has been outstanding – 10 goals in 13 games – and he certainly enjoyed his strike in the Edinburgh Derby!
During his goalscoring run he’s showed his eye for goal, his aerial ability, that he can run into channels, hold the ball up, and score from range. Not only that, but his work rate against Hearts was also second-to-none, even running back into his own half to defend/support Lewis Stevenson at times.
Top Six Permutations
The cinch Premiership table is still incredibly tight and there’s still a lot to play for going into the final game before the split!
We come into this one in sixth, one point ahead of Livingston. We take on St Johnstone, who sit in 9th, whilst Livingston travel to Dundee United, who have won consecutive games and sit in 10th.
St Mirren also have a lot on the line, they sit one point ahead of Hibs and two ahead of Livingston and take on Kilmarnock who are 11th.
Only three points separate Hearts in fourth (45) and Livingston in seventh (42), although without a huge goal swing, Hearts won’t drop out of the top six.
And finally, Sunshine On Leith
What a moment that was at the end of the game, the staff, players, and supporters all coming together.
Scarves in the air, players singing on the pitch, and supporters singing at the top of their voices full of pride – a sight to behold.
The moment was so loud, and so special, that it could be heard from Arthur’s Seat.
