Midfield

[B.H.F.C]

What do they do?

Lack of balls to get on the ball first half and only showed a bit urgency once behind.

It’s a big issue for us IMO. Not contributing to us keeping clean sheets but not contributing going forward. There’s nothing there (no doubt Joe Newell’s stats will be posted soon).

[Heisenberg]

Thought the midfield three were dreadful and it didn’t get better with the Allan sub.

[Onion]

Celtic totally dominated the midfield and our players were left to disrupt and harry. Can't recall them doing anything psoiotiove in the first half. Bit better second. Overall, a sad part of our team.

[SlickShoes]

Invisible most of the game, then Allan came on and gave away the ball like he was playing for Celtic instead of us. Terrible all round.

[Northernhibee]

There’s no chemistry between them. They get in each other’s way and don’t always look as if they know where they should be.

Individually good players but not together.

[Helensburghhibs]

Our midfield has been defensive minded for too long. Hopefully the new gaffer has a different approach

[The Modfather]

What do they do?

Lack of balls to get on the ball first half and only showed a bit urgency once behind.

It’s a big issue for us IMO. Not contributing to us keeping clean sheets but not contributing going forward. There’s nothing there (no doubt Joe Newell’s stats will be posted soon).

The priority area for me and has been ever since McGinn & McGeough left. Impossible to replace like for like on our budget but we’ve churned through a lot of players and money and still no closer to an answer. I can make my peace to a degree in not getting the quality right but I still don’t know what our midfield is meant to do for about 4 seasons now.

Ross never got the midfield right and I think that’s what ultimately cost him in the end. What was the point of signing JDH when you have Newell. Why did Ross insist on his midfield either being Newell & Gogic and essentially sacrificing the midfield for more benefit elsewhere last season. Then go to a 3 this season but play Newell & JDH deep and static in every game. Whether at home to Ross County or Ibrox. Why do we have one player in Maggenis who does the midfield running, as in getting ahead of the ball and driving with it, all on his own and if he doesn’t play we revert to a passive team that hopes Boyle can do something.

At our level I’d have thought that 3 energetic athletic midfielders would be the basic starting point. Then add specific roles on top like ball winning or comfortable running ahead of the ball and getting into the box. We seem to either buy good individual players or players good on paper and good when it comes to stats, but with no real plan as to how they will fit together and compliment each other.

[LeithMike]

Thought the midfield three were dreadful and it didn’t get better with the Allan sub.No mobility or athleticism Midfielders should be able to get around the pitch. Massive overhaul needed if we are going to pass and press under Maloney.

I like Allan and think he still has something to offer but we need to move in a different direction now.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

[MWHIBBIES]

100% our biggest problem today. Should've been forcing Celtic wide but instead they were able to keep running central. Needs a real fighter who can pass it next to Newall or JDH. Stick McGinn in there Hibs win today.

[hibee1875]

Non existent. They all partook in the shooting practice before the match but what was the point in that? When do they ever attempt a shot on goal?

[Swedish hibee]

Despite being slated on other threads, our midfield is by far our weakest link in the team.

[Pretty Boy]

I didn't have any issue with how we set up today. Going gung ho against Celtic is a recipe for disaster.

I did have an issue with our overall performance though, particularly our total inability to keep the ball and ease the pressure on ourselves in the 1st half. That all stems from the midfield. JDH is in there for almost no other reason, he certainly offers little going forward. He's playing a similar role to that which McGeouch and Fyvie played but is like ordering one of those 2 from Wish.

The defensive lapses will get all the criticism and there was little doubt they were poor. How many last ditch tackles and clearances did Hanlon have brought about by Celtic walking through our midfield though? Macey didn't have many saves in the 1st half but there were a host of last ditch tackles and blocks.

There was also zero outball. Boyle was guilt of being greedy too often and giving away cheap possesion, Murphy has been well covered elsewhere and Nisbet is never going to be one to hold the ball up. We had no one in midfield take the game by the scruff of the neck, slow the game down and allow us to get up the park.

Our best midfield of recent times was the McGinn, McGeouch and Allan trinity. We all know there was one exceptional player there but they worked together because it was balanced and they each brought their own strengths to the party. The current incumbents are characterless and toothless.

[hibbysam]

I didn't have any issue with how we set up today. Going gung ho against Celtic is a recipe for disaster.

I did have an issue with our overall performance though, particularly our total inability to keep the ball and ease the pressure on ourselves in the 1st half. That all stems from the midfield. JDH is in there for almost no other reason, he certainly offers little going forward. He's playing a similar role to that which McGeouch and Fyvie played but is like ordering one of those 2 from Wish.

The defensive lapses will get all the criticism and there was little doubt they were poor. How many last ditch tackles and clearances did Hanlon have brought about by Celtic walking through our midfield though? Macey didn't have many saves in the 1st half but there were a host of last ditch tackles and blocks.

There was also zero outball. Boyle was guilt of being greedy too often and giving away cheap possesion, Murphy has been well covered elsewhere and Nisbet is never going to be one to hold the ball up. We had no one in midfield take the game by the scruff of the neck, slow the game down and allow us to get up the park.

Our best midfield of recent times was the McGinn, McGeouch and Allan trinity. We all know there was one exceptional player there but they worked together because it was balanced and they each brought their own strengths to the party. The current incumbents are characterless and toothless.

The way we set up allowed Celtic to overload in there. Our three was up against their three, one of their full backs (usually Taylor who tucked in) and their centre half stepping in with the ball. Our wingers stayed wide, Nisbet was on his Norman against 2 defenders.

[PH91]

Felt sorry for them first half. Had to play in a team that was instructed to ignore them with the ball and watch porteous hoof it over their head to nobody time and time again then have to get back to chasing celtics excellent midfield to try and get it back.

The way we approached the game with the ball first half was embarrasing. It was every bit as bad if not worse than the first half at easter road.

[john rossi]

Lack of legs in our midfield Murphy is terrible Get rid,if maloney is new manager has a tough job with this present squad. Celtic ran all over us at times quicker fitter and had more intensity to their play.

[Alfred E Newman]

The Celtic midfield spent most of the game running at our back four while our midfield spent most of the game passing the ball back for the back four to launch hopeful punts towards Nisbet and Boyle.
Only in the last few minutes did we manage to put Celtic under pressure and though we were unlucky not to equalise it was too little too late.
I hope the new manager whoever he is puts a stop to the long hoof forward favoured by Ross and gets together a midfield that plays a more expansive style of football.

[heretoday]

Celtic's midfield is first rate. Quick and smart with ready made replacement on the bench if necessary. That's what it's all about.

[MWHIBBIES]

Lack of legs in our midfield Murphy is terrible Get rid,if maloney is new manager has a tough job with this present squad. Celtic ran all over us at times quicker fitter and had more intensity to their play.

He absolutely does not have a tough job with this squad. This squad at its worst is 2 points off 4th and in a cup final. Fully expect him to hit the ground running.

[Mutu]

It's mainly coaching and how we tactically approach the game - less so the players. Newell and JDH are clearly good technical players who can see a pass but they can't do it on their own. Look at how Celtic played today - high press with the full backs tucked in. Newell and JDH did not stand a chance in this game. We just sat back and pinged low percentage balls hoping Boyle could get a lucky break.

This is how we have played since Ross has been in charge.

Will not be surprised if we're singing their praises by the end of the season with hopefully a different approach by Maloney.

[The Modfather]

He absolutely does not have a tough job with this squad. This squad at its worst is 2 points off 4th and in a cup final. Fully expect him to hit the ground running.

We’re 5 points off fourth with a game in hand and are 7th. I’d hope Maloney can get more out of this squad than Ross was but how our season pans out is dependent on the January recruitment IMO as the mid table no man’s land is probably about right for the league season so far, again IMO.

It does feel like some are setting the ground work to give the new man no slack simply because they disagree that Ross should have been sacked.

[Tyler Durden]

It's mainly coaching and how we tactically approach the game - less so the players. Newell and JDH are clearly good technical players who can see a pass but they can't do it on their own. Look at how Celtic played today - high press with the full backs tucked in. Newell and JDH did not stand a chance in this game. We just sat back and pinged low percentage balls hoping Boyle could get a lucky break.

This is how we have played since Ross has been in charge.

Will not be surprised if we're singing their praises by the end of the season with hopefully a different approach by Maloney.

I totally agree with this.

As a team we are unable to move the ball through the park with any kind of quick passing. They’ve obviously not worked on it. The instructions are to get it wide to Boyle or Murphy and try to get some overlaps / overloads there.

We don’t really ever want the ball under pressure, so our passing is either very safe or a hopeful punt. It’s the coaching that’s the problem

[MWHIBBIES]

We’re 5 points off fourth with a game in hand and are 7th. I’d hope Maloney can get more out of this squad than Ross was but how our season pans out is dependent on the January recruitment IMO as the mid table no man’s land is probably about right for the league season so far, again IMO.

It does feel like some are setting the ground work to give the new man no slack simply because they disagree that Ross should have been sacked.

I will hold Maloney to the same standard as Ross was held by our board. Transfer window is no excuse because it wasn't for Ross. Right you are about 5 points. Big game for Shaun on Wednesday.

[1875Sean]

Still not 100% convinced on jdh, looks a neat and tidy player but doesn’t do enough

[The Modfather]

I will hold Maloney to the same standard as Ross was held by our board. Transfer window is no excuse because it wasn't for Ross. Right you are about 5 points. Big game for Shaun on Wednesday.

So you’re judging Maloney on day 1 from the end point of Ross 2 1/2 years down the line? That doesn’t seem particularly fair or sensible. If Maloney has us mid-table, attendances down and on a run of 4 points from 27 (of whatever it was) after 2 1/2 years then I’d expect him to be held to the same standards as Ross was and ultimately sacked.

[J-C]

Midfield disappeared again in a big game, slow ponderous and lack of guile, JDH showing why he was playing for St Mirren before we signed him and doesn't look any better than when he was there, Newell his usual show pony and invisible man impersonation, slow slow and even slower with the inevitable back pass to Hanlon for a hoof to Nisbet. Hard to call out Campbell as he's just had a handful of games and still establishing himself, let down by the 2 players beside him. Allan has played about 30 mins of football in the last month or so, what were people expecting him to do, he looked rusty as hell. Murphy never broke sweat and should be nowhere near the team again, gone in January I hope.

[MWHIBBIES]

So you’re judging Maloney on day 1 from the end point of Ross 2 1/2 years down the line? That doesn’t seem particularly fair or sensible. If Maloney has us mid-table, attendances down and on a run of 4 points from 27 (of whatever it was) after 2 1/2 years then I’d expect him to be held to the same standards as Ross was and ultimately sacked.

Thats fair enough, yeah. We'll go with Rosses first 10 games then. 5 wins, a draw and 4 losses to beat for Shaun. I'd probably be okay with that, especially if he beats Hearts and Aberdeen like Ross did.

Scottish cup semi as well.

[The Modfather]

Thats fair enough, yeah. We'll go with Rosses first 10 games then. 5 wins, a draw and 4 losses to beat for Shaun. I'd probably be okay with that, especially if he beats Hearts and Aberdeen like Ross did.

Scottish cup semi as well.

It’s getting silly now, I’ll bow out.

[SlickShoes]

Thats fair enough, yeah. We'll go with Rosses first 10 games then. 5 wins, a draw and 4 losses to beat for Shaun. I'd probably be okay with that, especially if he beats Hearts and Aberdeen like Ross did.

Scottish cup semi as well.

I'll settle for us just looking like a team again and not a bunch of individuals. I don't know how we managed that performance against Rangers a month ago, because this team if its capable of that barely ever shows it.

[Heisenberg]

Thats fair enough, yeah. We'll go with Rosses first 10 games then. 5 wins, a draw and 4 losses to beat for Shaun. I'd probably be okay with that, especially if he beats Hearts and Aberdeen like Ross did.

Scottish cup semi as well.

And if he doesn’t beat that record in his first ten games? Maloney out?

[MWHIBBIES]

And if he doesn’t beat that record in his first ten games? Maloney out?

Ask me then. I don't judge a manager purely on results, my history on here shows that, but I'm expecting him to hit the ground running because I do not believe our squad needs an overall to be good in this league.

[1875Sean]

Thats fair enough, yeah. We'll go with Rosses first 10 games then. 5 wins, a draw and 4 losses to beat for Shaun. I'd probably be okay with that, especially if he beats Hearts and Aberdeen like Ross did.

Scottish cup semi as well.

What would you do if Maloney gets 6 wins, 4 losses, then the next 2 games another 2 losses?

[inglisavhibs]

What do they do?

Lack of balls to get on the ball first half and only showed a bit urgency once behind.

It’s a big issue for us IMO. Not contributing to us keeping clean sheets but not contributing going forward. There’s nothing there (no doubt Joe Newell’s stats will be posted soon).
Maybe something to do with Celtic having 3 experienced internationalists in midfield! They are better players, see things quicker, do things quicker and pass and move better. Thought we tried our hearts out and eventually worked our way back in to the game. Didn't get the breaks from the ref but we got a lot closer to Celtic than in any previous Hampden game i've been at since the seventies. That said we do need some fresh faces to boost the squad.

[Callum_62]

Maybe something to do with Celtic having 3 experienced internationalists in midfield! They are better players, see things quicker, do things quicker and pass and move better. Thought we tried our hearts out and eventually worked our way back in to the game. Didn't get the breaks from the ref but we got a lot closer to Celtic than in any previous Hampden game i've been at since the seventies. That said we do need some fresh faces to boost the squad.I actually thought that - particulary first half- celtic were brilliant with ball

But we got to HT 0-0 and when I thought back there werng too many genuinly big chances in open play from them

2nd half was anyones game

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

[Unseen work]

It’s so much more than just blaming the midfield.

For one we were painfully deep with no out ball other than a launch to Nisbet in an attempt to counter. That was clearly the game plan.

Celtic overload the midfield with Rogic, Kyogo and Turnbull continuously moving, the fullbacks coming infield to add an extra body and then the centre half stepping out with the ball.

They had an extra man every single time because of this and we couldn’t commit to closing them down at speed because when we did they popped it round us.

The odd occasion we won it back we were under immediate pressure again due to the amount of players they had around us which forced us to scuffing the ball.

All of that plus the fact Celtic have really good players.

If we push up 20 yards and force them to play the long ball it’s different and helps them drop back - like the second half.

[Pete]

If there's one player who should avoid any real criticism today then it's Scott Allan. He didn't have much time to do anything today, and he's hardly what you'd call properly fit.
Of course, there are reasons why this is the case and those are probably the same reasons why he's here and not playing at a much higher level. Mercurial talents like him are few and far between and we should be holding onto him, even if he doesn't play every game. I can't think of many better players I've seen in a Hibs jersey when it comes to vision and the ability to see a pass. I think he'll be the sort of player Maloney values.

[LunasBoots]

Don't have anyone who wants to take the ball down in midfield and drive with it or have any real control over a game, certainly a area of needed improvement. I wasn't really sure we even had a midfield at some points in that game.

With Allan I thank him for all he's done but if he's not going to be a regular then another playmaker may be needed.

[Callum_62]

If there's one player who should avoid any real criticism today then it's Scott Allan. He didn't have much time to do anything today, and he's hardly what you'd call properly fit.
Of course, there are reasons why this is the case and those are probably the same reasons why he's here and not playing at a much higher level. Mercurial talents like him are few and far between and we should be holding onto him, even if he doesn't play every game. I can't think of many better players I've seen in a Hibs jersey when it comes to vision and the ability to see a pass. I think he'll be the sort of player Maloney values.I'd be fairly surprised if he's still here come the end of january

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

[B.H.F.C]

Maybe something to do with Celtic having 3 experienced internationalists in midfield! They are better players, see things quicker, do things quicker and pass and move better. Thought we tried our hearts out and eventually worked our way back in to the game. Didn't get the breaks from the ref but we got a lot closer to Celtic than in any previous Hampden game i've been at since the seventies. That said we do need some fresh faces to boost the squad.

Criticism of midfield isn’t just based on today. We’re like that every week.

As a three they are totally ineffectual.

[Pete]

I'd be fairly surprised if he's still here come the end of january

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

I can also see why the new manager would let him go, but I hope you're wrong.

[Ozyhibby]

None of the midfield three who started yesterday are good enough. If we carry on with those three in midfield we’ll be sacking another manager in a few months time. They are far too easy to play through and create almost zero. How many goals between the three of them this season? They are championship level at best.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Allant1981]

Thats fair enough, yeah. We'll go with Rosses first 10 games then. 5 wins, a draw and 4 losses to beat for Shaun. I'd probably be okay with that, especially if he beats Hearts and Aberdeen like Ross did.

Scottish cup semi as well.

Or just let the new manager get to grips with the club and team and not compare him to other managers

[147lothian]

Despite being slated on other threads, our midfield is by far our weakest link in the team.

I Agree, we had a whole pre-season to address this issue after the Scottish Cup final, when St Johnstone sat in and we could break through them, for me we were crying out for a player of the ilk of Campbell at Motherwell, midfield is still the area of the team that needs addressed IMO

[B.H.F.C]

None of the midfield three who started yesterday are good enough. If we carry on with those three in midfield we’ll be sacking another manager in a few months time. They are far too easy to play through and create almost zero. How many goals between the three of them this season? They are championship level at best.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Two goals between the midfield three this season. And a handful of assists. Total lack of creativity and I find them dire to watch.

[Tyler Durden]

Two goals between the midfield three this season. And a handful of assists. Total lack of creativity and I find them dire to watch.

It's not really representative to say 2 goals between them....

Magennis started the first 6/7 games and he had 5 goals, as part of that midfield 3. Campbell has 1 from about 6 games.

Newell and JDH are not asked to get forward - it has never been part of Jack Ross (or Gray's) gameplan. So it's not really something you can criticise them for.

I agree that there's a lack of creativity there. But that comes from Jack Ross's set up. He looked for his "front 4" to create and get goals. Last season it worked well between Murphy/Boyle/Doidge/Nisbet. This season we've had Magennis and Campbell added into that mix and only really Magennis (initially) and Boyle have been a success.

Newell and Campbell could definitely be regular scorers if the new manager sets the team up differently and demands midfielders to get in the box.

[Tyler Durden]

Two goals between the midfield three this season. And a handful of assists. Total lack of creativity and I find them dire to watch.

Another point of note on this. How many goals does Haring/Banigime/Devlin have for Hearts this season?

Or Motherwell's central 3 midfielders? Or Dundee Utd's?

Most teams aren't setting up expecting their central 2 midfielders to score goals.

[Ozyhibby]

Another point of note on this. How many goals does Haring/Banigime/Devlin have for Hearts this season?

Or Motherwell's central 3 midfielders? Or Dundee Utd's?

Most teams aren't setting up expecting their central 2 midfielders to score goals.

Those midfielders probably don’t get walk through like they aren’t there as often as ours though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tyler Durden]

Those midfielders probably don’t get walk through like they aren’t there as often as ours though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What was the last goal we lost due to our midfield getting "walked through"? We've only lost one more than Dundee Utd, 5 fewer than Motherwell.

You don't like facts though, do you?

[Ozyhibby]

What was the last goal we lost due to our midfield getting "walked through"? We've only lost one more than Dundee Utd, 5 fewer than Motherwell.

You don't like facts though, do you?

If you think they are good than that’s fair enough. I personally don’t think they are good enough.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[B.H.F.C]

Another point of note on this. How many goals does Haring/Banigime/Devlin have for Hearts this season?

Or Motherwell's central 3 midfielders? Or Dundee Utd's?

Most teams aren't setting up expecting their central 2 midfielders to score goals.

I don’t think they should be contributing double figures or anything like that, but the difference a few goals could make could be massive. Newell has spoken about it previously, JDH done an interview recently where he spoke about needing to contribute in the final third. I just don’t think they have the instinct to do it, first thought is always a negative one IMO.

You look at our team on paper and I find it a bit depressing the lack of threat that it offers. If they were doing the other side of the game, contributing defensively and dictating games then I could deal with it. I just see a lot of running about and busy players but not enough contribution either way.

[superfurryhibby]

Have to agree with posters dissatisfied with the quality of central midfield. Very little creativity there and there seems to be a lack of dynamism too. Not often you see them breaking into space. It's mostly sideways, backwards, and as for beating a man, I'll not hold my breath. They aren't good enough.

Hopefully Tait will provide some spark in there and Magennis, if he is ever fit.

[BoomtownHibees]

Have to agree with posters dissatisfied with the quality of central midfield. Very little creativity there and there seems to be a lack of dynamism too. Not often you see them breaking into space, beating a man etc. It's mostly sideways, backwards, and as for beating a man, I'll not hold my breath. They aren't good enough.

Hopefully Tait will provide some spark in there and Magennis, if he is ever fit.

I reckon they are all decent enough players as individuals and would be good enough if we had the right balance in there. Playing JDH and Newell together is where it falls down imo

[Tyler Durden]

If you think they are good than that’s fair enough. I personally don’t think they are good enough.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think Newell and Magennis are more than good enough. Campbell and JDH, I'm not sure.

Hopefully a new coach can bring out more in all of them.

[MWHIBBIES]

None of the midfield three who started yesterday are good enough. If we carry on with those three in midfield we’ll be sacking another manager in a few months time. They are far too easy to play through and create almost zero. How many goals between the three of them this season? They are championship level at best.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
No where near championship level. Thats just nonsense. Just totally devalues any argument of yours when you say things like that. At best they played Rangers off the pitch to win the semi. Thats actually a fact.


Or just let the new manager get to grips with the club and team and not compare him to other managers

Not for me. We should be expecting results. He is not inheriting the shambles that guys like Calderwood left.

[Tyler Durden]

I don’t think they should be contributing double figures or anything like that, but the difference a few goals could make could be massive. Newell has spoken about it previously, JDH done an interview recently where he spoke about needing to contribute in the final third. I just don’t think they have the instinct to do it, first thought is always a negative one IMO.

You look at our team on paper and I find it a bit depressing the lack of threat that it offers. If they were doing the other side of the game, contributing defensively and dictating games then I could deal with it. I just see a lot of running about and busy players but not enough contribution either way.

Probably a fair summary of the last 10 games.

[Ozyhibby]

I think Newell and Magennis are more than good enough. Campbell and JDH, I'm not sure.

Hopefully a new coach can bring out more in all of them.

Magennis is different in that the rare times he plays, he looks decent. I think the new manager will move the other three on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PH91]

Get the 'front 4' and attacking full backs contributing at the top end of the pitch and you will see the best of newell and jdh, don't and you won't.

Campbell is doing a decent enough job at filling in for magennis but if he isn't going to be fit again anytime soon we need someome else in in january to play that role.

[superfurryhibby]

Get the 'front 4' and attacking full backs contributing at the top end of the pitch and you will see the best of newell and jdh, don't and you won't.

Campbell is doing a decent enough job at filling in for magennis but if he isn't going to be fit again anytime soon we need someome else in in january to play that role.

Not sure who the front four are, but guys like Boyle, Doidge and Nisbet need quality possession to contribute effectively. Deny them that and it looks a bit like yesterday. I don't think we've played a flat back four this season, so the full backs are probably better described as wing backs and Boyle in particular carries this team. Reduce his effectiveness and you're well on your way to beating Hibs.

It's essential that the central midfielders contribute more than a tackle or sideways pass, like a goal every now and then, a break into space more often than they do or a telling pass.
.

[MWHIBBIES]

Not sure who the front four are, but guys like Boyle, Doidge and Nisbet need quality possession to contribute effectively. Deny them that and it looks a bit like yesterday. I don't think we've played a flat back four this season, so the full backs are probably better described as wing backs and Boyle in particular carries this team. Reduce his effectiveness and you're well on your way to beating Hibs.

It's essential that the central midfielders contribute more than a tackle or sideways pass, like a goal every now and then, a break into space more often than they do or a telling pass.
.

We've played 4231 for a majority of this season I'd say. Yesterday was certainly a flat back 4.

[angus hibby]

It’s so much more than just blaming the midfield.

For one we were painfully deep with no out ball other than a launch to Nisbet in an attempt to counter. That was clearly the game plan.

Celtic overload the midfield with Rogic, Kyogo and Turnbull continuously moving, the fullbacks coming infield to add an extra body and then the centre half stepping out with the ball.

They had an extra man every single time because of this and we couldn’t commit to closing them down at speed because when we did they popped it round us.

The odd occasion we won it back we were under immediate pressure again due to the amount of players they had around us which forced us to scuffing the ball.

All of that plus the fact Celtic have really good players.

If we push up 20 yards and force them to play the long ball it’s different and helps them drop back - like the second half.

Agree with all this and think it might have been worth going to a diamond in the middle of the park with Nisbet and Boyle up top.

[inglisavhibs]

Criticism of midfield isn’t just based on today. We’re like that every week.

As a three they are totally ineffectual.
Not really arguing with that, just saying that no team outside the old firm has the midfield to compete with Celtics until they slow down a bit in the second half. Exactly the same happened in the recent Celtic, Hearts game where Hearts never got a kick in the first half but did a lot better in the second. That said, we desperately need a midfield player who gets forward with purpose and maybe even beats a man occasionally.:greengrin

[superfurryhibby]

We've played 4231 for a majority of this season I'd say. Yesterday was certainly a flat back 4.

Yesterday was 10 men behind the ball for the first half, but yes. We played back three's v Hun and Dundee before that?

Either way, not seeing these guys as capable of taking Hibs forward (Newell, I'll grant you is decent on the ball, but in a limiting one footed way)