This is how it feels (Dundee United 16 10 21)

[Jonnyboy]

Gutsy, pacy, focused and in full control are just some of the words I could use to describe an impressive Dundee United. Sadly, none of those terms could be applied to Hibs who huffed and puffed and got what their insipid performance deserved.

With Porteous suspended, Jack Ross called upon loanee Nathan Wood to fill that gap whilst McGinn was nowhere to be seen as Cadden took up the right back spot and Magennis was still out injured. The latter is being sorely missed as without him our midfield lacks any dynamism.

You can sometimes tell how a match is going to pan out by analysing the first ten minutes or so and for me today was one such occasion. Our defence looked edgy, our midfield lacked in creativity and our strikers lacked guile. In midfield our guys were being outthought and outplayed by Harkes and Fuchs whilst further up the park, Nisbet and Allan who was playing in behind him were easily controlled by the veteran Mulgrew and Edwards. As for our defence we were, far too often, all at sea against a United attack that moved the ball quickly whilst being backed up by the wide midfield players Pawlett and Niskanen.

Having said all of that, neither goalkeeper was troubled until the 21st minute when Niskanen drew a save from Macey. A few minutes later, Martin Boyle was scythed down as he broke towards the United goal and Edwards was shown a deserved yellow card for the challenge. Soon after, Edwards had a headed effort blocked after Hibs once again gifted United possession in the midfield area. I lost count of the number of times Scott Allan failed to control the ball and wondered if he was ailing in some way because that was so uncharacteristic of him. I did feel sorry for Scotty moments later when he was adjudged to have fouled Mulgrew when any contact was at best minimal.

We were conceding too many corners but thankfully none of them caused undue concern. When we got a corner, the delivery was poor and Siegrist was never troubled. On the half hour, Clark had a shot blocked and five minutes later an effort from Harkes forced a save from Macey. United looked dangerous whenever they attacked, and you were left with the feeling that if Hibs didn’t significantly up their game the visitors would score.

On 40 minutes Hibs were enjoying a rare piece of possession that ended when Boyle set up Murphy but Jamie’s shot, although looking on target was blocked on its way to goal. Right on half time the United pressure paid off when Harkes passed to Clark and the latter rifled a low shot beyond the diving Macey and into the far corner of the net.

I’ll be honest, I expected changes at half time to both the personnel and the tactics with the latter clearly not working. There was a change to personnel with Scott Allan being replaced by James Scott, but the tactics remained the same and so United continued to run the show. Six minutes into the half, Hibs went two goals behind when a corner conceded by Cadden was partially cleared but recycled by United and McMann sent in a cross that Edwards met unchallenged to head the ball home past Macey. Yet another goal conceded to a crossed ball. Five minutes later, Murphy struck a fierce effort goalwards, but it deflected off a defender with Siegrist looking like he might have struggled had the shot reached its target.

United then replaced Glass with Hoti. Glass had been booked for a crude challenge on Boyle and withing seconds of coming on, Hoti should have suffered the same fate, but the referee allowed the challenge to go unpunished. For the next ten minutes or so, Hibs enjoyed some possession but were wasteful with it as Wood and Nisbet failed to get headers on target.

With fifteen minutes left, United struck again following a terrible defensive mix up which allowed Niskanen to pick out the unmarked Greeman who fired home from around eight yards. At the other end, a shot from Nisbet was brilliantly tipped onto the post by Siegrist with the loose ball cleared by Mulgrew. The visitors were now happy to see out the game although it has to be said they still managed to look the more likely to score. In time added on, a hugely frustrated Martin Boyle got a yellow card and was clearly none too happy about it considering the challenges he’d had made on him during the game.

The players

Macey – Can’t really fault him for any of the goals as his team mates left him horribly exposed.

Cadden – I think it’s fair to compare how he did against how McGinn has played in the last couple of games and to conclude that he was less efficient and effective.

Wood – Laddie might have been nervous and his defensive team mates will have done little to help that, but I felt he looked like a fish out of water.

Hanlon – Not one of his better days I felt he struggled throughout.

Doig – Showed well enough on occasion, in an attacking sense but that’s about it.

Doyle-Hayes – Bettered by Fuchs and Herkes.

Newell – See Doyle-Hayes.

Boyle – The only player who looked up for the challenge and my man of the match.

Allan – Strangely out of touch and no surprise he was hooked at half time.

Murphy – Did his best but I feel his dragging the ball past his first marker is marking him out as a bit of a one trick pony. Defenders know now what he’s going to do.

Nisbet – Where do I begin? Yes he was starved of possession but his all round game today was very poor.

Scott – My brother said he found it odd we replaced a poor performer with an even poorer one and I concur.

Jack Ross – I’m interested to hear how explained that performance.

Referee – Alan Muir – need I say more?

[Coco Bryce]

Good assessment but you really can't say the ref's decisions today would have made the slightest bit of difference to the result?

[BILLYHIBS]

Thanks Jonnyboy

[ehf]

I stayed to the end and they didn't announce a Man of the Match, which says it all about that performance.

[Franck Stanton]

Thought Newell had a good game first half.
Boyle didn't really get going until we are 2 -0 down.
Scotty, well, bad day at the office, his touch & eye for a pass just weren't there.
Overall, got exactly what we deserved. As for man of the match - given the overall performance of those on the pitch , Gogic gets it from me,& he wasn't even on the pitch, that's how bad we were.

[I_Love_Latapy]

I stayed to the end and they didn't announce a Man of the Match, which says it all about that performance.

:tee hee:

[Perfect Hatrick]

Good assessment but you really can't say the ref's decisions today would have made the slightest bit of difference to the result?

I actually thought the ref had a decent game.

[Coco Bryce]

I actually thought the ref had a decent game.

So did I.

[Peevemor]

Jack Ross post match.

https://fb.watch/8GSqC-1MFO/

[007]

I actually thought the ref had a decent game.

Highlighted of the game was when he collided with Scotty Allan.

[whiskyhibby]

Too many Hibs players never looked up for it, completely bossed by DU, however the lack, of any meaningful changes at HT was a worry, either Ross didn’t have a clue how to change the momentum or he felt that those on the bench wouldn’t improve things…. ( other than Allan of course)

[JohnM1875]

Not sure where else to put it, but a really honest post match interview from JR. You can tell he's really disappointed in the team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj2VubjDxNk&ab_channel=HibernianFootballClub

[Jonnyboy]

Good assessment but you really can't say the ref's decisions today would have made the slightest bit of difference to the result?

I didn’t say that though. I used the words need I say more because my opinion was he was poor today and not for the first time

[The Captain....]

From first whistle to last our game.lacked any tempo or.intensity. This is a recurring theme at ER.

I also thought we'd identify that we were being battered and outnumbered in midfield and change it at HT. If James Scott is the answer I'm flummoxed as to what the question was.

A game that raises a few red flags in terms of squad quality and our.managers ability to motivate and set up the team at ER. It really was a very sobering and dispiriting afternoon.

Was surprised the crowd announced as 15k..obviously tickets sold I presume as the stadium looked half empty to me. It will be getting emptier if performances like today's don't improve.




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[JXM73]

Too many words when one would do, pish!

[Mikey_1875]

Fair assessment of the game and player performances. Fuchs and Harkes look good players but JdH seems to have lost a bit since his illness.

Cadden I am yet to be convinced about in general and as mentioned when Scott is the go to sub it really does highlight a lack of depth. I just hope we can muddle through and be in a good position by January where we can strengthen. In the short term get Magennis and McGinn back in for next week.

[DaveF]

Jack Ross post match.

https://fb.watch/8GSqC-1MFO/

We were lazy.,

I'm struggling to understand how a team can go out and be 'lazy' after being prepped for a match.

[kaimendhibs]

Murphy was Hibs MOTM for me. At least he took platers on, unlucky not to score and tried all game

[Jonnyboy]

Too many words when one would do, pish!

Can’t say I wasn’t tempted

[Coco Bryce]

I didn’t say that though. I used the words need I say more because my opinion was he was poor today and not for the first time

His performance was fine. Opinions eh.

[Jonnyboy]

His performance was fine. Opinions eh.

Yep

[Blaster]

Murphy was Hibs MOTM for me. At least he took platers on, unlucky not to score and tried all game

Totally agree I thought Murphy and Boyle were the only 2 worth pass marks today with Murphy just edging it

[Glory Lurker]

The foul on Boyle in the first half, where the United boy got a yellow. Apart from him actually hitting Boyle, was it different to Porteous's interception at Ibrox?

[Peevemor]

The foul on Boyle in the first half, where the United boy got a yellow. Apart from him actually hitting Boyle, was it different to Porteous's interception at Ibrox?Half the speed, studs pointing down the way, far less potential damage.

[Jones28]

The foul on Boyle in the first half, where the United boy got a yellow. Apart from him actually hitting Boyle, was it different to Porteous's interception at Ibrox?

Nope, I thought he should have been off. If the porteous tackle we are discussing is the standard for a red card then that was worse.

I saw it once from the west though.

[Peevemor]

Nope, I thought he should have been off. If the porteous tackle we are discussing is the standard for a red card then that was worse.

I saw it once from the west though.From what I saw on the live stream the challenge wasnt as dangerous even though there was more contact. IMO of course.

I await the pelters. [emoji6]

[JohnM1875]

Nope, I thought he should have been off. If the porteous tackle we are discussing is the standard for a red card then that was worse.

I saw it once from the west though.

Said the exact same to the guys I go with as well. But it wasn't a tackle against a rangers player at Ibrox

[Smartie]

From what I saw on the live stream the challenge wasnt as dangerous even though there was more contact. IMO of course.

I await the pelters. [emoji6]

I thought it was a clear booking.

In all honesty though, I do think it's a bit of a lottery now whether or not certain tackles are anything from not even a foul to a red card. Aribo put an ugly one of his own in today at Ibrox. I think they need to look at the rules and simplify it as it's just a nonsense right now with fans howling for red cards every 5 minutes.

[Peevemor]

I thought it was a clear booking.

In all honesty though, I do think it's a bit of a lottery now whether or not certain tackles are anything from not even a foul to a red card. Aribo put an ugly one of his own in today at Ibrox. I think they need to look at the rules and simplify it as it's just a nonsense right now with fans howling for red cards every 5 minutes.It was definitely a booking IMO, but I don't think it was worse than Porto's challenge.

[JimBHibees]

Good assessment but you really can't say the ref's decisions today would have made the slightest bit of difference to the result?

Don't think anyone would or could argue what he did had any impact however he is simply horrific the lack of protection he gave to Boyle was a joke as was his ridiculous decision to book Boyle. How he is anywhere near the top level is astounding and sums up the standard of so many.

[NAE NOOKIE]

The only two players getting pass marks are Murphy and Boyle ..... in the 2nd half at least Boyle tried his heart out with little help from his pals and Murphy actually beat his man a number of times and put half decent decent ball into the box, with what passes for our 'strikers' nowhere near even competing for them.

Overall an absolute shambles of a performance, which had better turn out to be our lowest point of the season because if it isn't we will be lucky to finish top 6, never mind qualify for Europe. Too many players on that park today need to look at themselves for performances that were way below their 'alleged' abilities.

As for the second goal .... a cross into the box from a position about 5 yards in from the touchline and 20 yards from the bye line which should make any decent centre half favourite to win it and for about the 4th time this season we have lost a goal from such a cross .... it's f'ing well unacceptable.

Macey .... 6 .... No chance with any of the goals, absolutely let down by the players in front of him.

Cadden .... 4 .... Who the hell told the manager this guy is a right back.

Wood .... 4 .... Looked like a kid on loan with only lower league experience who got the shock of his life to find out Scottish football isn't as easy as he was told.

Hanlon ... 5 ..... With Cadden and Wood beside him he needed to organize them into a unit .. he couldn't and it affected his own performance.

Doig .... 6 .... Tried to get up the park to help to help Murphy, but to little affect, still a lot to learn defensively.

Newell ... 5 ..... As poor as I've seen him, little or no affect on the game.

Doyle - Hayes ... 5 .... Hardly noticed him.

Allan ..... 5 .... Did absolutely nothing of note so no surprise he was hooked, though to be fair he wasn't the only contender ... I'm beginning to think he would be far better used as an impact sub than a starter.

Boyle .... 7 .... Did little in the first half, but at least in the 2nd half he gave 100% trying to drag us back into the game.

Murphy .... 8 .... The OP said he was a bit of a one trick pony, but that one trick enabled him to put at least 4 good balls into the box with absolutely nobody competing for them.

Nisbet .... 4 ..... A passenger apart from one shot that sadly for the United keeper meant he maybe .... maybe .... had to take a shower after the game.

Subs:

Scott ... 3 .... Continuing to show why it is he cant get a game for Hull City.

Jack Ross ..... He can usually get a tune out of his team after a lackluster first half but not today ..... he takes his share of the blame for that, but so must others when the only option he could see to change the game personnel wise from his bench was James bloody Scott.

[JimBHibees]

His performance was fine. Opinions eh.

He was appalling as he always is.

[Hulk1875]

Too many Hibs players never looked up for it, completely bossed by DU, however the lack, of any meaningful changes at HT was a worry, either Ross didn’t have a clue how to change the momentum or he felt that those on the bench wouldn’t improve things…. ( other than Allan of course)

Before even being behind I was looking at bench and saw nothing that could change a game

[The Harp Awakes]

We were lazy.,

I'm struggling to understand how a team can go out and be 'lazy' after being prepped for a match.

Lazy is unacceptable. If players go out on the pitch being lazy there's something far wrong. If they were lazy why did he only make 1 sub?

[JimBHibees]

Lazy is unacceptable. If players go out on the pitch being lazy there's something far wrong. If they were lazy why did he only make 1 sub?

Great question should have definitely been all subs used. Newell should have been hooked for one. Slow on the ball no pressing nothing.

[Forza Fred]

As I said on another forum, I sincerely believe there was an element of luck involved in the scoreline

We were very lucky to only concede 3

[Glory Lurker]

As I said on another forum, I sincerely believe there was an element of luck involved in the scoreline

We were very lucky to only concede 3

Aye. And I'm ashamed of myself for walking out when they scored their third. I should have walked at the second.

[matty_f]

From what I saw on the live stream the challenge wasnt as dangerous even though there was more contact. IMO of course.

I await the pelters. [emoji6]

Biggest difference for me between the two challenges was that Porteous’s first and only intention was to play the ball.

There was no consideration for playing the ball from the United player. IMHO, that’s worse.

[scoopyboy]

Before even being behind I was looking at bench and saw nothing that could change a game

It's the same every week and was the same last season.

When the team gets announced I usually like the look of it (and yesterday was no different) but when I look at the bench there is generally nothing there to change the game. Options to help us hold on to a lead perhaps but nobody to turn the game for us if struggling.

Ross made one substitution and there's a bit of me wondering if that's because he realised there was nothing there to help or he was trying to get a message across to the board that the squad isn't big enough or good enough.

[Pretty Boy]

Murphy was Hibs MOTM for me. At least he took platers on, unlucky not to score and tried all game

Funny I thought that Ross was aiming his selfish comment squarely at Murphy.

On several occasions he had the option to bring others into the game, most notably Doig, and on most occasions he ignored them and tried the little drag back thing he does all the time. Most of the time he was running up blind alleys.

I'd lump him with the rest of them yesterday.

[BILLYHIBS]

Never noticed it in real time but Sportscene highlighted that Murphy allowed ‘ his man ‘ Freeman to sprint away from him for a tap-in for their third

[B.H.F.C]

Funny I thought that Ross was aiming his selfish comment squarely at Murphy.

On several occasions he had the option to bring others into the game, most notably Doig, and on most occasions he ignored them and tried the little drag back thing he does all the time. Most of the time he was running up blind alleys.

I'd lump him with the rest of them yesterday.

Little came of what Murphy did but I thought he was the only one that at least tried to be positive. Probably sums him up quite well, in fairness, he’s contributed nowhere near enough in his time here for me.

[green day]

Lazy is unacceptable. If players go out on the pitch being lazy there's something far wrong. If they were lazy why did he only make 1 sub?

Because we have nothing on the bench. Those that start can pretty much stroll about and their place is safe.

Why?

Because someone thought we had enough in the squad and didnt strengthen when we were doing well.

I dont know who that was, but chickens are coming home to roost now.

[Jdawg]

We sorely miss Doidge. Only person we have with presence up front.

[wookie70]

Never noticed it in real time but Sportscene highlighted that Murphy allowed ‘ his man ‘ Freeman to sprint away from him for a tap-in for their third


Fairly typical of Murphy. I view him as very similar to Allan. Fine when we have the ball but a man short when we don't. If he is playing I would have Stevenson at LB just to be a bit stronger on that side. Ross seems to really like Murphy I'll have no issue if we don't renew his contract. To be fair to Allan he actually contributes goals and assists while Murphy has not had anywhere near enough end product

[Smartie]

Fairly typical of Murphy. I view him as very similar to Allan. Fine when we have the ball but a man short when we don't. If he is playing I would have Stevenson at LB just to be a bit stronger on that side. Ross seems to really like Murphy I'll have no issue if we don't renew his contract. To be fair to Allan he actually contributes goals and assists while Murphy has not had anywhere near enough end product

I agree with every bit of this, including the bit about Stevenson.

Of all our midfielders Murphy is the one who is most frequently caught culpable defensively, even more so than Allan.

Murphy and Doig were threatening to make a bit of progress down our left towards the end of the first half but didn't really kick on at all.

I thought Murphy probably looked the most interested of our players but his end product was as poor as anyone else's and he's been presented with the lowest of low bars by saying he was possibly our best player when he was nearly as shocking as the rest of them.

[jacomo]

Woke up this morning wondering if there were any positives to take from yesterday.

Nope.

Atrocious performance from beginning to end. Get a grip Hibs, this isn’t good enough.

[drumatic44]

Woke up this morning wondering if there were any positives to take from yesterday.

Nope.

Atrocious performance from beginning to end. Get a grip Hibs, this isn’t good enough.
For me the problem was two many of those players away to all points of the globe on international duty. !! Not enough preparation time for the game, especially missing, Mcgennis, Doige and Porteous.

[jacomo]

For me the problem was two many of those players away to all points of the globe on international duty. !! Not enough preparation time for the game, especially missing, Mcgennis, Doige and Porteous.


Not that many players were away?

Boyle probably travelled more miles than everyone else put together and he was one of the better ones yesterday.

[Stonewall]

Because we have nothing on the bench. Those that start can pretty much stroll about and their place is safe.

Why?

Because someone thought we had enough in the squad and didnt strengthen when we were doing well.

I dont know who that was, but chickens are coming home to roost now.

I thought Mathie was fired because of the poor summer recruitment. Are you saying he was a scapegoat?

[CMurdoch]

We sorely miss Doidge. Only person we have with presence up front.

We do.
What about this sobering scenario.
If we draw with Aberdeen and lose to Celtic in our next 2 games whilst Hearts beat Dundee & St Johnstone we would be 9 points behind them after the 1st round of fixtures!

[LeithMike]

Funny I thought that Ross was aiming his selfish comment squarely at Murphy.

On several occasions he had the option to bring others into the game, most notably Doig, and on most occasions he ignored them and tried the little drag back thing he does all the time. Most of the time he was running up blind alleys.

I'd lump him with the rest of them yesterday.Agree with this PB. I though the Dundee Utd full back played Murphy really well, always showing him outside on to his left when he clearly wanted to come in on his right and he didn't look comfortable. I wonder if he would have been a better option taking Allan's role when he went off?

We are going to need Mueller to be a very good player.

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[NAE NOOKIE]

Funny I thought that Ross was aiming his selfish comment squarely at Murphy.

On several occasions he had the option to bring others into the game, most notably Doig, and on most occasions he ignored them and tried the little drag back thing he does all the time. Most of the time he was running up blind alleys.

I'd lump him with the rest of them yesterday.


Agree with this PB. I though the Dundee Utd full back played Murphy really well, always showing him outside on to his left when he clearly wanted to come in on his right and he didn't look comfortable. I wonder if he would have been a better option taking Allan's role when he went off?

We are going to need Mueller to be a very good player.

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I agree there was times when Murphy could have involved Doig but didn't, and perhaps the United fullback was showing him outside to his left. But the fact is that Murphy put at least 3 decent balls across the box in the 2nd half after beating that fullback and there wasn't a Hibs player within miles of his cross, nobody running to the near post, no midfielder busting a gut to get on the end of his cross ball, nothing.

Murphy was far more affective on Saturday than most of his team mates and for the most part did what was asked of him, if that came to nothing it wasn't his fault.

[Peevemor]

I didn't take the "selfish" comment as being about anyone hogging the ball - I think that's too literal. I took it more to mean that the guys weren't looking out for each other - helping each other out.

Obviously I could be wrong.

[Iain G]

Agree with this PB. I though the Dundee Utd full back played Murphy really well, always showing him outside on to his left when he clearly wanted to come in on his right and he didn't look comfortable. I wonder if he would have been a better option taking Allan's role when he went off?

We are going to need Mueller to be a very good player.

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Wondering why we don't seem to switch our wide men over, Murphy clearly favours his right foot wonlwt him have a go at their left back for a while? He has the control and skill to get past him, and let the right back worry about Boyle and a different challenge?

[500miles]

Our midfield was far too slow,and Woods passing meant they were always having to chase. Dundee United are a very hard working and dynamic team, and they simply outran our very technically gifted, but physically limited midfield.

Ross should have seen the mismatch coming.

[JimBHibees]

I agree there was times when Murphy could have involved Doig but didn't, and perhaps the United fullback was showing him outside to his left. But the fact is that Murphy put at least 3 decent balls across the box in the 2nd half after beating that fullback and there wasn't a Hibs player within miles of his cross, nobody running to the near post, no midfielder busting a gut to get on the end of his cross ball, nothing.

Murphy was far more affective on Saturday than most of his team mates and for the most part did what was asked of him, if that came to nothing it wasn't his fault.

Agree thought he was one of the very few who got pass marks, Boyle was the other who didn't hide even though he was getting appalling treatment with little protection from ref. The movement of the two forwards was poor surely you get one going across the front. Makes no sense not to imo.