This is how it feels (Hearts 02 01 23)

[Jonnyboy]

It’s not often that I agree with the current version of Michael Stewart, but he was spot on when he said that the problems at Hibs are not entirely of the manager’s making, although Lee Johnson is far from blameless. We are rudderless and although I guess I’m simply stating what many others have been saying on the messageboard for ages, the problems start at the very top. Ron Gordon may well have ensured investment in our off the field situation but he has been more than neglectful of the situation on the field and in truth that latter area is what matters most. I read posts calling for him to go but in reality, that is not something that can happen either easily or quickly. It hurts deeply having to watch a Hearts side simply brush us aside like that, but it hurts even more that they had no difficulty in doing so.

Back to Lee Johnson, whose pre and post-match comments were quite simply bewildering. The pre match words regarding McKirdy and the post-match-comments suggesting he is sick to death of our inabilities in the final third and that perhaps some players have been at ER too long. Johnson knew what he was getting with McKirdy so his comments regarding the player were bizarre and as far as the guys that have been here too long are concerned, why does he continue to select them if they are repeatedly letting him down?

From the opening minutes, despite an early effort from Nisbet, we looked unbalanced with only three in midfield against the four from Hearts. Needless to say, we struggled in that area and allowed Snodgrass all the time in the world to pull the strings for his forward players. Just eight minutes had passed before a defensive error cost us the opening goal. In trying to keep the ball in play, McKirdy passed the ball back in the direction of Will Fish who was immediately put under pressure by Ginnelly. Fish tried to see the ball out for a bye kick but allowed Ginnelly to steal it from him and get a shot away which Marshall did very well to save but failed to push the ball to safety. With no fewer than four Hibs players in the area the ball arrived in, not one of them reacted faster than Shankland who poked the ball home from around six yards. A couple of minutes later, Chris Cadden was booked for a foul and if truth be told he looked out of place in a midfield role. From the resultant free kick, Shankland received the ball at the back post and with all the time in the world at his disposal he skied his shot well over the bar.

At the other end, Campbell had an effort blocked and then McKirdy hit wildly wide before Hearts threatened again as McKay found Shankland unmarked in the box again, but the resulting shot was saved by Marshall. Moments later, Cadden could consider himself lucky not to see a second yellow after a late challenge on Cochrane. Hearts were pretty much dictating the play and the Hibs rearguard was looking pretty fragile. A Nisbet effort offered brief respite before Hearts doubled their lead in what I can only describe as mystifying circumstances. A cross from the right eluded Newell near the front post and as the ball was cleared to the edge of the box, a shot was fired at goal from the edge of the box. As the ball neared the target the assistant referee put his flag up, signifying Sibbick was offside and referee Clancy seemed to acknowledge that and was signalling a free kick to Hibs. In the meantime, another shot at goal struck the arm of Bushiri and after a six minute delay, and the referee checking the monitor, a penalty was awarded and Bushiri booked. Shankland converted the penalty.

I have to say that that whole episode proved just what a farce VAR is in terms of it’s application by the officials. The offside flag against Sibbick essentially meant play should have stopped and therefore what came next should have been ignored. It begs the question as to who actually referees the game? The man in the middle or the man in Glasgow?

Hibs were stung by this and had a great chance to cut the deficit when Stevenson fired in a great low cross, but McKirdy was caught on his heels making him too late to connect with the net wide open in front of him. Soon after, a corner from Joe Newell found the head of Will Fish but the big defender headed the ball straight at Zander Clark. Then, Nisbet was felled by Rowles some twenty yards from goal, but the Hibs striker couldn’t get the resultant free kick on target. With the clock ticking down, Youan missed a golden opportunity to get us back in the game. Pouncing on a poor touch from Sibbick, Youan set off for goal with only Clark to face but he couldn't get the ball under control, took an age in trying to do so and allowed Sibbick to get back and dispossess him. Poor stuff.

At half time, Johnson hooked Fish and McKirdy and replaced them with Magennis and McGeady. Cadden went to right back and Magennis slotted into midfield. With regard to the departing players, neither could have a complaint as McKirdy offered next to nothing and Fish will never be a full back which makes you wonder why he was selected to play there in the first place. Right from the off, Hibs looked more aggressive, and Josh Campbell was booked for a foul on Cochrane whilst, soon after, Michael Smith was booked for leaving one on McGeady. The Hearts man injured himself in the process and was subbed off with Atkinson taking his place. At the same time, Halliday also went off injured and was replaced by Alan Forrest.

The changes to the Hibs eleven resulted in them playing more purposefully and McGeady in particular kept Cochrane on his toes. A Cadden effort, when he drove in from the right saw his left footed shot fly straight into the waiting arms of Clark and then Nisbet tried his luck but saw his effort blocked on its route to goal. It’s fair to say that Hibs were enjoying more possession but rarely were they threatening the Hearts goal. Pushing forward brought risks at the back and McKay should have done a lot better when he sliced an effort well wide of the post.

Youan was causing a few problems although many of his crosses failed to trouble the Hearts defence whilst at the other end, Shankland looked to have a chance to score but was adjudged offside as he tried to take in a pass from Forrest. It’s true that Hibs were getting forward but, probably prompting the remarks from Johnson, they were toiling to trouble the keeper. Nisbet tried and failed and then Cadden followed suit although it’s fair to say Cadden’s effort missed the target by inches. Cadden was involved again as he raced clear on the right and delivered a cut back that Magennis fired at goal only to be denied by Clark who pushed the ball away and back to Magennis who shot straight at the keeper again.

When the fourth official held up the board indicating a minimum of seven minutes would be added, Neilson looked worried, and the home support became restless, but they needn’t have worried because this Hibs side has lost the ability to score goals. Instead, four minutes in to the seven, Hearts scored again. A decent Jorge Grant through ball arrived at the feet of Stephen Humphrys who slotted the ball past a static David Marshall. I’ll look at that more closely in my player assessments.

After a delay for treatment to Zander Clark, a Newell corner was met by Bushiri, but Rocky’s effort was woefully wide of the target. The Zander Clark injury seemed to be a cut in the eye region with the suggestion that he had perhaps been hit by something thrown from behind the goal where the Hibs fans were. If that is what happened, I hope they find the culprit.

The players

Marshall – Did well with the initial save at the first goal, had no chance with the penalty but for my money he should have been off his line at the third to collect the through ball before Humphrys got his shot away.

Fish – Shocking defending at the first goal he never looked comfortable at all in that right back position.

Bushiri – Not great, with a few basic errors.

Hanlon – Will be jointly blamed for the third goal and whilst I agree he should have done better, his keeper and captain should have gotten him out of jail.

Stevenson – See Hanlon.

Cadden – Fish out of water in midfield and only became effective, at least in an attacking sense, when he went back to right back.

Campbell – Taught a lesson or two by Snodgrass.

Newell – I’m not his biggest fan but I thought he featured throughout rather than disappearing when the going got tough.

Youan – On a bad day for everyone he probably offered the best performance and gets my man of the match.

McKirdy – Send him home, please.

Nisbet – Starved of meaningful possession

Magennis – Really should have scored given that he had two bites of the cherry.

McGeady – For my money he proved he is far from finished and I’d have him starting next week.

Lee Johnson – I fear his days are surely numbered.

Referee – Kevin Clancy knows what went on for the penalty but no-one else did or is ever likely to be told.

[loanheadhibby]

Great report but have you missed out our best chance when your man of the match was clean through.
Apologies if I haven't spotted it.

[Hector Mudflap]

It’s not often that I agree with the current version of Michael Stewart, but he was spot on when he said that the problems at Hibs are not entirely of the manager’s making, although Lee Johnson is far from blameless. We are rudderless and although I guess I’m simply stating what many others have been saying on the messageboard for ages, the problems start at the very top. Ron Gordon may well have ensured investment in our off the field situation but he has been more than neglectful of the situation on the field and in truth that latter area is what matters most. I read posts calling for him to go but in reality, that is not something that can happen either easily or quickly. It hurts deeply having to watch a Hearts side simply brush us aside like that, but it hurts even more that they had no difficulty in doing so.

Back to Lee Johnson, whose pre and post-match comments were quite simply bewildering. The pre match words regarding McKirdy and the post-match-comments suggesting he is sick to death of our inabilities in the final third and that perhaps some players have been at ER too long. Johnson knew what he was getting with McKirdy so his comments regarding the player were bizarre and as far as the guys that have been here too long are concerned, why does he continue to select them if they are repeatedly letting him down?

From the opening minutes, despite an early effort from Nisbet, we looked unbalanced with only three in midfield against the four from Hearts. Needless to say, we struggled in that area and allowed Snodgrass all the time in the world to pull the strings for his forward players. Just eight minutes had passed before a defensive error cost us the opening goal. In trying to keep the ball in play, McKirdy passed the ball back in the direction of Will Fish who was immediately put under pressure by Ginnelly. Fish tried to see the ball out for a bye kick but allowed Ginnelly to steal it from him and get a shot away which Marshall did very well to save but failed to push the ball to safety. With no fewer than four Hibs players in the area the ball arrived in, not one of them reacted faster than Shankland who poked the ball home from around six yards. A couple of minutes later, Chris Cadden was booked for a foul and if truth be told he looked out of place in a midfield role. From the resultant free kick, Shankland received the ball at the back post and with all the time in the world at his disposal he skied his shot well over the bar.

At the other end, Campbell had an effort blocked and then McKirdy hit wildly wide before Hearts threatened again as McKay found Shankland unmarked in the box again, but the resulting shot was saved by Marshall. Moments later, Cadden could consider himself lucky not to see a second yellow after a late challenge on Cochrane. Hearts were pretty much dictating the play and the Hibs rearguard was looking pretty fragile. A Nisbet effort offered brief respite before Hearts doubled their lead in what I can only describe as mystifying circumstances. A cross from the right eluded Newell near the front post and as the ball was cleared to the edge of the box, a shot was fired at goal from the edge of the box. As the ball neared the target the assistant referee put his flag up, signifying Sibbick was offside and referee Clancy seemed to acknowledge that and was signalling a free kick to Hibs. In the meantime, another shot at goal struck the arm of Bushiri and after a six minute delay, and the referee checking the monitor, a penalty was awarded and Bushiri booked. Shankland converted the penalty.

I have to say that that whole episode proved just what a farce VAR is in terms of it’s application by the officials. The offside flag against Sibbick essentially meant play should have stopped and therefore what came next should have been ignored. It begs the question as to who actually referees the game? The man in the middle or the man in Glasgow?

Hibs were stung by this and had a great chance to cut the deficit when Stevenson fired in a great low cross, but McKirdy was caught on his heels making him too late to connect with the net wide open in front of him. Soon after, a corner from Joe Newell found the head of Will Fish but the big defender headed the ball straight at Zander Clark. Then, Nisbet was felled by Rowles some twenty yards from goal, but the Hibs striker couldn’t get the resultant free kick on target.

At half time, Johnson hooked Fish and McKirdy and replaced them with Magennis and McGeady. Cadden went to right back and Magennis slotted into midfield. With regard to the departing players, neither could have a complaint as McKirdy offered next to nothing and Fish will never be a full back which makes you wonder why he was selected to play there in the first place. Right from the off, Hibs looked more aggressive, and Josh Campbell was booked for a foul on Cochrane whilst, soon after, Michael Smith was booked for leaving one on McGeady. The Hearts man injured himself in the process and was subbed off with Atkinson taking his place. At the same time, Halliday also went off injured and was replaced by Alan Forrest.

The changes to the Hibs eleven resulted in them playing more purposefully and McGeady in particular kept Cochrane on his toes. A Cadden effort, when he drove in from the right saw his left footed shot fly straight into the waiting arms of Clark and then Nisbet tried his luck but saw his effort blocked on its route to goal. It’s fair to say that Hibs were enjoying more possession but rarely were they threatening the Hearts goal. Pushing forward brought risks at the back and McKay should have done a lot better when he sliced an effort well wide of the post.

Youan was causing a few problems although many of his crosses failed to trouble the Hearts defence whilst at the other end, Shankland looked to have a chance to score but was adjudged offside as he tried to take in a pass from Forrest. It’s true that Hibs were getting forward but, probably prompting the remarks from Johnson, they were toiling to trouble the keeper. Nisbet tried and failed and then Cadden followed suit although it’s fair to say Cadden’s effort missed the target by inches. Cadden was involved again as he raced clear on the right and delivered a cut back that Magennis fired at goal only to be denied by Clark who pushed the ball away and back to Magennis who shot straight at the keeper again.

When the fourth official held up the board indicating a minimum of seven minutes would be added, Neilson looked worried, and the home support became restless, but they needn’t have worried because this Hibs side has lost the ability to score goals. Instead, four minutes in to the seven, Hearts scored again. A decent Jorge Grant through ball arrived at the feet of Stephen Humphrys who slotted the ball past a static David Marshall. I’ll look at that more closely in my player assessments.

After a delay for treatment to Zander Clark, a Newell corner was met by Bushiri, but Rocky’s effort was woefully wide of the target. The Zander Clark injury seemed to be a cut in the eye region with the suggestion that he had perhaps been hit by something thrown from behind the goal where the Hibs fans were. If that is what happened, I hope they find the culprit.

The players

Marshall – Did well with the initial save at the first goal, had no chance with the penalty but for my money he should have been off his line at the third to collect the through ball before Humphrys got his shot away.

Fish – Shocking defending at the first goal he never looked comfortable at all in that right back position.

Bushiri – Not great, with a few basic errors.

Hanlon – Will be jointly blamed for the third goal and whilst I agree he should have done better, his keeper and captain should have gotten him out of jail.

Stevenson – See Hanlon.

Cadden – Fish out of water in midfield and only became effective, at least in an attacking sense, when he went back to right back.

Campbell – Taught a lesson or two by Snodgrass.

Newell – I’m not his biggest fan but I thought he featured throughout rather than disappearing when the going got tough.

Youan – On a bad day for everyone he probably offered the best performance and gets my man of the match.

McKirdy – Send him home, please.

Nisbet – Starved of meaningful possession

Magennis – Really should have scored given that he had two bites of the cherry.

McGeady – For my money he proved he is far from finished and I’d have him starting next week.

Lee Johnson – I fear his days are surely numbered.

Referee – Kevin Clancy knows what went on for the penalty but no-one else did or is ever likely to be told.



Often agree with most of what you say but

"send Mckirdy home" is a pretty poor statemnt

Newell Hanlon and Youan seem to be get a much easier ride from you- Mckirdy has had almost no chance at all. The team today never made any chances in the first half None.
He needs games and cant score sitting on the bench or cameo appearances fro five or ten mins when the games already over

Henderson comes
on all the time

[Leith Green]

Often agree with most of what you say but

"send Mckirdy home" is a pretty poor statemnt

Newell Hanlon and Youan seem to be get a much easier ride from you- Mckirdy has had almost no chance at all. The team today never made any chances in the first half None.
He needs games and cant score sitting on the bench or cameo appearances fro five or ten mins when the games already over

Henderson comes
on all the time


Okay Harry , no bother pal..

[judas]

Thanks for report/. I am in complete agreement.

[Jonnyboy]

Great report but have you missed out our best chance when your man of the match was clean through.
Apologies if I haven't spotted it.

Can't believe I missed that! Have included it now

[Jonnyboy]

Often agree with most of what you say but

"send Mckirdy home" is a pretty poor statemnt

Newell Hanlon and Youan seem to be get a much easier ride from you- Mckirdy has had almost no chance at all. The team today never made any chances in the first half None.
He needs games and cant score sitting on the bench or cameo appearances fro five or ten mins when the games already over

Henderson comes
on all the time

Yep, harsh on McKirdy but he just doesn't give me any reason to think he'll get any better than what we've seen of him so far. As a forward, he needs to be able to create as well as take chances and although he runs around a lot he doesn't seem to find or make space for himself in order to take/create chances.

Newell did ok today and I've said so. Generally, I criticise his contribution.
I roasted Hanlon in the Celtic report for being complicit in all of the goals.
Youan missed a sitter but still did more than most in trying to get us forward.

This is how it feels is an opinion piece and I get that you don't agree, which is fair enough :agree:

[Walkerbaws]

How was nisbet starved of service yet mckirdy is hopeless and should be punted? mckirdy was the only one running in that first half. Youan is good going forward when given time and space like he had in the second half but I’d put our better performance in the second 45 down to the fact the job was done for hearts in the first.

[Real Emerald]

I don’t think Nisbet was starved of service and thought he was a poor centre forward today. He’s just come back from almost a year out but he had no less service than Shankland got.

Our decision making in forward areas is really poor and our inability put chances away are quite unbelievable at times. We had more than enough chances to get back into that game today.

[loanheadhibby]

I don’t think Nisbet was starved of service and thought he was a poor centre forward today. He’s just come back from almost a year out but he had no less service than Shankland got.

Our decision making in forward areas is really poor and our inability put chances away are quite unbelievable at times. We had more than enough chances to get back into that game today.

Sadly Shankland is a significant upgrade on Nisbet. As was proved today.

[wookie70]

I agree about Newall. He wasn't great but was far better than any of our other midfielder. He would have been MOTM for me. Youan was great at getting into good positions but I have a feeling he was the one who the Manager was most talking about when it came to being wasteful in the final third. His use of the ball in excellent positions was appalling and that was exemplified by his one on one effort where he looked to be giving Christian Doidge a collie bucky given how slow he was.

[ShetlandHibby]

Although not clear at the time the refs got the penalty decision correct. Sibbick goal was called off for offside but as bushiri had handled it before sibbick became active then the offside didn’t matter. Took too long but essentially was correct.

[wookie70]

Although not clear at the time the refs got the penalty decision correct. Sibbick goal was called off for offside but as bushiri had handled it before sibbick became active then the offside didn’t matter. Took too long but essentially was correct. If Rocky deliberately handled it then Sibbick would be back onside and could score. The decision made little sense to me

[ShetlandHibby]

If Rocky deliberately handled it then Sibbick would be back onside and could score. The decision made little sense to me

Unfortunately whether it makes sense you doesn’t matter. The rules of the game were followed correctly and the correct decision was made. My issue is with the length of time taken to come to that decision

[wfortune]

It’s not often that I agree with the current version of Michael Stewart, but he was spot on when he said that the problems at Hibs are not entirely of the manager’s making, although Lee Johnson is far from blameless. We are rudderless and although I guess I’m simply stating what many others have been saying on the messageboard for ages, the problems start at the very top. Ron Gordon may well have ensured investment in our off the field situation but he has been more than neglectful of the situation on the field and in truth that latter area is what matters most. I read posts calling for him to go but in reality, that is not something that can happen either easily or quickly. It hurts deeply having to watch a Hearts side simply brush us aside like that, but it hurts even more that they had no difficulty in doing so.

Back to Lee Johnson, whose pre and post-match comments were quite simply bewildering. The pre match words regarding McKirdy and the post-match-comments suggesting he is sick to death of our inabilities in the final third and that perhaps some players have been at ER too long. Johnson knew what he was getting with McKirdy so his comments regarding the player were bizarre and as far as the guys that have been here too long are concerned, why does he continue to select them if they are repeatedly letting him down?

From the opening minutes, despite an early effort from Nisbet, we looked unbalanced with only three in midfield against the four from Hearts. Needless to say, we struggled in that area and allowed Snodgrass all the time in the world to pull the strings for his forward players. Just eight minutes had passed before a defensive error cost us the opening goal. In trying to keep the ball in play, McKirdy passed the ball back in the direction of Will Fish who was immediately put under pressure by Ginnelly. Fish tried to see the ball out for a bye kick but allowed Ginnelly to steal it from him and get a shot away which Marshall did very well to save but failed to push the ball to safety. With no fewer than four Hibs players in the area the ball arrived in, not one of them reacted faster than Shankland who poked the ball home from around six yards. A couple of minutes later, Chris Cadden was booked for a foul and if truth be told he looked out of place in a midfield role. From the resultant free kick, Shankland received the ball at the back post and with all the time in the world at his disposal he skied his shot well over the bar.

At the other end, Campbell had an effort blocked and then McKirdy hit wildly wide before Hearts threatened again as McKay found Shankland unmarked in the box again, but the resulting shot was saved by Marshall. Moments later, Cadden could consider himself lucky not to see a second yellow after a late challenge on Cochrane. Hearts were pretty much dictating the play and the Hibs rearguard was looking pretty fragile. A Nisbet effort offered brief respite before Hearts doubled their lead in what I can only describe as mystifying circumstances. A cross from the right eluded Newell near the front post and as the ball was cleared to the edge of the box, a shot was fired at goal from the edge of the box. As the ball neared the target the assistant referee put his flag up, signifying Sibbick was offside and referee Clancy seemed to acknowledge that and was signalling a free kick to Hibs. In the meantime, another shot at goal struck the arm of Bushiri and after a six minute delay, and the referee checking the monitor, a penalty was awarded and Bushiri booked. Shankland converted the penalty.

I have to say that that whole episode proved just what a farce VAR is in terms of it’s application by the officials. The offside flag against Sibbick essentially meant play should have stopped and therefore what came next should have been ignored. It begs the question as to who actually referees the game? The man in the middle or the man in Glasgow?

Hibs were stung by this and had a great chance to cut the deficit when Stevenson fired in a great low cross, but McKirdy was caught on his heels making him too late to connect with the net wide open in front of him. Soon after, a corner from Joe Newell found the head of Will Fish but the big defender headed the ball straight at Zander Clark. Then, Nisbet was felled by Rowles some twenty yards from goal, but the Hibs striker couldn’t get the resultant free kick on target. With the clock ticking down, Youan missed a golden opportunity to get us back in the game. Pouncing on a poor touch from Sibbick, Youan set off for goal with only Clark to face but he couldn't get the ball under control, took an age in trying to do so and allowed Sibbick to get back and dispossess him. Poor stuff.

At half time, Johnson hooked Fish and McKirdy and replaced them with Magennis and McGeady. Cadden went to right back and Magennis slotted into midfield. With regard to the departing players, neither could have a complaint as McKirdy offered next to nothing and Fish will never be a full back which makes you wonder why he was selected to play there in the first place. Right from the off, Hibs looked more aggressive, and Josh Campbell was booked for a foul on Cochrane whilst, soon after, Michael Smith was booked for leaving one on McGeady. The Hearts man injured himself in the process and was subbed off with Atkinson taking his place. At the same time, Halliday also went off injured and was replaced by Alan Forrest.

The changes to the Hibs eleven resulted in them playing more purposefully and McGeady in particular kept Cochrane on his toes. A Cadden effort, when he drove in from the right saw his left footed shot fly straight into the waiting arms of Clark and then Nisbet tried his luck but saw his effort blocked on its route to goal. It’s fair to say that Hibs were enjoying more possession but rarely were they threatening the Hearts goal. Pushing forward brought risks at the back and McKay should have done a lot better when he sliced an effort well wide of the post.

Youan was causing a few problems although many of his crosses failed to trouble the Hearts defence whilst at the other end, Shankland looked to have a chance to score but was adjudged offside as he tried to take in a pass from Forrest. It’s true that Hibs were getting forward but, probably prompting the remarks from Johnson, they were toiling to trouble the keeper. Nisbet tried and failed and then Cadden followed suit although it’s fair to say Cadden’s effort missed the target by inches. Cadden was involved again as he raced clear on the right and delivered a cut back that Magennis fired at goal only to be denied by Clark who pushed the ball away and back to Magennis who shot straight at the keeper again.

When the fourth official held up the board indicating a minimum of seven minutes would be added, Neilson looked worried, and the home support became restless, but they needn’t have worried because this Hibs side has lost the ability to score goals. Instead, four minutes in to the seven, Hearts scored again. A decent Jorge Grant through ball arrived at the feet of Stephen Humphrys who slotted the ball past a static David Marshall. I’ll look at that more closely in my player assessments.

After a delay for treatment to Zander Clark, a Newell corner was met by Bushiri, but Rocky’s effort was woefully wide of the target. The Zander Clark injury seemed to be a cut in the eye region with the suggestion that he had perhaps been hit by something thrown from behind the goal where the Hibs fans were. If that is what happened, I hope they find the culprit.

The players

Marshall – Did well with the initial save at the first goal, had no chance with the penalty but for my money he should have been off his line at the third to collect the through ball before Humphrys got his shot away.

Fish – Shocking defending at the first goal he never looked comfortable at all in that right back position.

Bushiri – Not great, with a few basic errors.

Hanlon – Will be jointly blamed for the third goal and whilst I agree he should have done better, his keeper and captain should have gotten him out of jail.

Stevenson – See Hanlon.

Cadden – Fish out of water in midfield and only became effective, at least in an attacking sense, when he went back to right back.

Campbell – Taught a lesson or two by Snodgrass.

Newell – I’m not his biggest fan but I thought he featured throughout rather than disappearing when the going got tough.

Youan – On a bad day for everyone he probably offered the best performance and gets my man of the match.

McKirdy – Send him home, please.

Nisbet – Starved of meaningful possession

Magennis – Really should have scored given that he had two bites of the cherry.

McGeady – For my money he proved he is far from finished and I’d have him starting next week.

Lee Johnson – I fear his days are surely numbered.

Referee – Kevin Clancy knows what went on for the penalty but no-one else did or is ever likely to be told.

Thanks for the report John. Was too scunnered with hibs to even look for a dodgy stream. Feeling completely disconnected from the club just now.

[wookie70]

Unfortunately whether it makes sense you doesn’t matter. The rules of the game were followed correctly and the correct decision was made. My issue is with the length of time taken to come to that decision

My understanding is that if a player deliberately plays the ball and it goes to an opponent, who was offside before that, then that player is now back onside. I may well be wrong. Given Rocky was booked for the handball I presume he must have been adjudged to have made an attempt to play the ball and therefore it would be another phase and the attacker back onside. I agree regarding the time taken and even more so that added on after 45 and at the game it was always a pen or a goal and at no point did I think we were getting away with it.

A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent who deliberately plays the ball, including by deliberate handball, is not considered to have gained an advantage, unless it was a deliberate save by any opponent.

[GreenCastle]

There was a moment in first 10 mins of game we had a throw or freekick in a decent area and about 3 passes later it was back at Marshalls feet as we played it back several times. At this moment I had the feeling we were totally clueless and the game was only going one way.

Hearts fans and players will be going home thinking that was another easy derby win. Even at 2v0 our final ball was awful and the goals we seem to be conceding every week are school boy stuff. Not surprising when we play a 19 year old with about 6 senior games under his belt out of position.

[LewysGot2]

Unfortunately whether it makes sense you doesn’t matter. The rules of the game were followed correctly and the correct decision was made. My issue is with the length of time taken to come to that decision

VAR is not meant to referee games but rather only address things where a clear and obvious mistake has happened. It's like we are using it up here to "get to the right decision" regardless of it being "clear and obvious mistakes" or not...which disenfranchises the referee and possibly why things are taking so long. If its clear and obvious it would not take so long.

[loanheadhibby]

VAR is not meant to referee games but rather only address things where a clear and obvious mistake has happened. It's like we are using it up here to "get to the right decision" regardless of it being "clear and obvious mistakes" or not...which disenfranchises the referee and possibly why things are taking so long. If its clear and obvious it would not take so long.

Totally agree with this. Whether the correct decision was made or not. There was a tug on Newell, Sibbick offside before the stramash.

So many things happened before handball. Lino had flagged for offside

[CentreForward]

Sadly Shankland is a significant upgrade on Nisbet. As was proved today.


Absolutely no doubt about that. Typical Hearts taking a chance on a player like that whose career has gone off the boil a bit and he has pretty instantly hit the ground running and become a goal machine. If he had signed for us I doubt he would have even scored 3 goals by now.

[Baader]

Absolutely no doubt about that. Typical Hearts taking a chance on a player like that whose career has gone off the boil a bit and he has pretty instantly hit the ground running and become a goal machine. If he had signed for us I doubt he would have even scored 3 goals by now.

It's the difference of having a proper head of recruitment who will identify what the side needs and work with the manager to bring in that type of player within the available budget. For years Hearts were the joke when it came to signing overpaid dross and much of it. Now it's us with the owner's son playing Champ Man. Someone needs to remind Ian Gordon that the objective of Championship Manager isn't actually to end up in the Championship.

[NAE NOOKIE]

It would simply be a lie to say Hibs weren't much better after half time, but this is simply not a team that's going to come from 2 - 0 down in a derby at Tynecastle and for all their huffing and puffing the profligacy in front of goal that's haunted us for years now was there for all to see again.

Marshall ...... Barely had a save to make, they either scored or missed by miles, badly at fault for the 3rd IMO not that it mattered by then.

Fish .... A pub league error letting the ball get nicked off him, a fish out of water today.

Rocky .... Even I laughed at his ridiculous attempt to header a ball at knee level, but he wasn't the worst today, not that that's saying much.

Hanlon .... Not doing much at the moment to scotch theories that he's had his day, never the quickest but now heading towards the slow lane.

Stevenson .... Did his best to get up and down and put one really good ball across the box. The fact that he isn't just a useful backup player these days says it all.

Cadden .... Apart from doing his best to get sent off in the first 30 minutes had no affect in midfield, got in a couple of shots in the 2nd half, but the second time he had a pass on to a free player at the edge of the box and instead tried a curler from a tight angle that was never gonna trouble the keeper.

Newell .... Tried to put himself about and a handful of what in a different team might have been dangerous throws into the box.

Campbell .... As usual no lack of effort, but had little impact.

McKirdy ..... The Scottish premiership is not EFL 2 .... You can't fault his energy, but it's just another appearance with no end product.

Youan .... Should have done far better when he broke away, he should never have allowed the defender a chance to tackle him. But that being said he tried really hard and through that got himself into some good positions, too bad most of his final balls were poor.

Nisbet .... Little or no impact and a pretty poor free kick pretty well sums up his afternoon.

SUBS

McGeady .... Made a difference when he came on, but without threatening their goal.

Magennis .... Also made a difference, but really should have scored ... if he had we would have had the chance of an unlikely draw because by then they had practically given up as an attacking force.

The Manager. On ALBA he had that 'dead man walking' look on his face on the touchline .... 9 defeats in 11 games has had far better managers than him out the door at smaller clubs than this one.

[B.H.F.C]

It would simply be a lie to say Hibs weren't much better after half time, but this is simply not a team that's going to come from 2 - 0 down in a derby at Tynecastle and for all their huffing and puffing the profligacy in front of goal that's haunted us for years now was there for all to see again.

Marshall ...... Barely had a save to make, they either scored or missed by miles, badly at fault for the 3rd IMO not that it mattered by then.

Fish .... A pub league error letting the ball get nicked off him, a fish out of water today.

Rocky .... Even I laughed at his ridiculous attempt to header a ball at knee level, but he wasn't the worst today, not that that's saying much.

Hanlon .... Not doing much at the moment to scotch theories that he's had his day, never the quickest but now heading towards the slow lane.

Stevenson .... Did his best to get up and down and put one really good ball across the box. The fact that he isn't just a useful backup player these days says it all.

Cadden .... Apart from doing his best to get sent off in the first 30 minutes had no affect in midfield, got in a couple of shots in the 2nd half, but the second time he had a pass on to a free player at the edge of the box and instead tried a curler from a tight angle that was never gonna trouble the keeper.

Newell .... Tried to put himself about and a handful of what in a different team might have been dangerous throws into the box.

Campbell .... As usual no lack of effort, but had little impact.

McKirdy ..... The Scottish premiership is not EFL 2 .... You can't fault his energy, but it's just another appearance with no end product.

Youan .... Should have done far better when he broke away, he should never have allowed the defender a chance to tackle him. But that being said he tried really hard and through that got himself into some good positions, too bad most of his final balls were poor.

Nisbet .... Little or no impact and a pretty poor free kick pretty well sums up his afternoon.

SUBS

McGeady .... Made a difference when he came on, but without threatening their goal.

Magennis .... Also made a difference, but really should have scored ... if he had we would have had the chance of an unlikely draw because by then they had practically given up as an attacking force.

The Manager. On ALBA he had that 'dead man walking' look on his face on the touchline .... 9 defeats in 11 games has had far better managers than him out the door at smaller clubs than this one.

That last point, I thought he had that dead man walking look about him all day. He just stood pretty motionless at the side of the park for most of the game.

Similarly, the players. When they finished their warm up they came over to applaud the fans and it was just a token effort. I was looking at them just thinking how little they have about them.

I’ve never felt so resigned to defeat as I felt going in to that game today. Horrible and there is absolutely nobody there that I would be bothered about losing.

[CentreForward]

It's the difference of having a proper head of recruitment who will identify what the side needs and work with the manager to bring in that type of player within the available budget. For years Hearts were the joke when it came to signing overpaid dross and much of it. Now it's us with the owner's son playing Champ Man. Someone needs to remind Ian Gordon that the objective of Championship Manager isn't actually to end up in the Championship.


Couldn’t agree more!

[Smartie]

Not saying McKirdy was great, he wasn't, but I'm a bit surprised at how he's being singled out by some as having been one of our poorest players today when imo there were a good few a good bit worse.

[Dalkeith Boy]

In my opinion Lee Johnson needs to stop talking...completely. He might be right, he might be wrong, but he needs to zip it. Do his thing on the training field and let the performances on the park do the talking. I'm really tired of his ..."operation was a success but the patient died" attitude!!.

[Hector Mudflap]

Okay Harry , no bother pal..



brilliant reasoning

you must be very clever in your personal life

[FitbaFolkKen]

The most damning thing I saw today was towards the end of the first half. Nisbet, Youan and Mckirdy were waving the the rest of the team to press higher at throw ins in hearts half but there was no reaction. There was a real lack of cohesion in that 11. That shouldn’t be the case after 5/6 months together.


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[BILLYHIBS]

Happy New Year John

It can only get better

[HH81]

I thought Marshall did poor on 1st goal and shouod have done better.

Infact defending as a whole for that goal was a joke.

What a shocking day.

[marinello59]

I thought Marshall did poor on 1st goal and shouod have done better.

Infact defending as a whole for that goal was a joke.

What a shocking day.

Marshall’s mistake was trusting Fish to shepherd the ball out properly.

[HH81]

Marshall’s mistake was trusting Fish to shepherd the ball out properly.

He should have done better with the initial shot which he palmed out IMO.

I like Marshall but don't think he was great yesterday.

[loanheadhibby]

The most damning thing I saw today was towards the end of the first half. Nisbet, Youan and Mckirdy were waving the the rest of the team to press higher at throw ins in hearts half but there was no reaction. There was a real lack of cohesion in that 11. That shouldn’t be the case after 5/6 months together.


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Do you think it is lack of cohesion, lack of confidence or just plain lack of ability?

The forwards must be frustrated at lack of chances. The defenders probably don’t want to venture forward as they know if we concede it is game over.

Was playing 3 upfront away to Hearts really the best idea? Surely we flood the midfield to stop Snodgrass dictating play?

[BoomtownHibees]

Marshall’s mistake was trusting Fish to shepherd the ball out properly.

Not sure how Marshall can be blamed for that part? Aye possibly could have done better with the initial **** but not sure how he’s “trusted Fish to shepherd the ball out”

[marinello59]

Not sure how Marshall can be blamed for that part? Aye possibly could have done better with the initial **** but not sure how he’s “trusted Fish to shepherd the ball out”

He can’t be blamed for that part, there’s no way he would have expected to see Fish mess up so badly. That was my very badly made point. :greengrin

[number9dream]

Do you think it is lack of cohesion, lack of confidence or just plain lack of ability?

The forwards must be frustrated at lack of chances. The defenders probably don’t want to venture forward as they know if we concede it is game over.

Was playing 3 upfront away to Hearts really the best idea? Surely we flood the midfield to stop Snodgrass dictating play?

With Boyle out, we just don’t have the personnel for 4-3-3. Youan & McGeady can do a job wide left but there’s no one good enough on the right and Nisbet is not the best on his own through the middle. If it’s 4-4-2, then Youan is not really suited to left mid since the full-back gets exposed too often. LJ just hasn’t been able to work out any kind of formula for making the most of a rather bad hand.

[Bobby's Cinema]

Don't expect many positive comments after yesterday but I actually thought Nisbet's link up was very good all game, and he continued to hold it in and keep us moving, whilst surrounded by poor teammates lacking quality.

As for the rest, that first half showing was a complete shambles. You must show composure on the ball, get in and about the opposition to put them under pressure and do the basics right.

Fish almost got caught on it again not long afterward, and Rocky slicing at the ball under no pressure. And I can think of a few occasions first half a hearts defender was able to waltz through to 20-30yards out winning free kicks under the first challenge going in.

This is the problem with the recruitment. You cannot try to sign a team full of young guys with future and sell-on potential along with guys on the way out who should be nowhere near it and line them up in games like this. You need a squad that can deal with the atmosphere and have the experience in these kind of games. We are sorely lacking in this area. Massive overhaul in personnel and approach needed. So frustrating how badly wrong we've got it here.

Any new signings need to be guys that have shown before they can do it at this level and can come straight in and make an impact. It's really not that hard.

[TheMentalHibees]

Absolutely no doubt about that. Typical Hearts taking a chance on a player like that whose career has gone off the boil a bit and he has pretty instantly hit the ground running and become a goal machine. If he had signed for us I doubt he would have even scored 3 goals by now.

“Goal machine” that has scored 6 goals from open play, two of them against our shambles of a defence.


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[loanheadhibby]

With Boyle out, we just don’t have the personnel for 4-3-3. Youan & McGeady can do a job wide left but there’s no one good enough on the right and Nisbet is not the best on his own through the middle. If it’s 4-4-2, then Youan is not really suited to left mid since the full-back gets exposed too often. LJ just hasn’t been able to work out any kind of formula for making the most of a rather bad hand.

So you and I can see 4 3 3 (or 343) does not work, why did LJ not see this? Especially at Tynecastle.

Why did he not go 442 with Nisbet and Youhan upfront, leave McKirdy out and stick Kenneh in midfield? Or even play Lewis in midfield and Cabraja at left back?

[Greenbeard]

I backed a horse yesterday afternoon that I thought was good, but it was seriously outpaced into the home straight and ended up weakening and tailed off. It came to mind again with Hanlon's effort trying to chase Humphrys for their third.
Credit where credit is due to Sibbick for that challenge on Youan when he was through on goal. Pleased to see Youan starting to pose a threat.
RE Shankland v Nisbet, I think Nisbet is a considerably better footballer, but Shankland is sharper and has more of a nose for goal.
Some very odd selection choices from LJ for a match such as this but fair dos for changing things at HT and getting a much better performance thereafter.
RE throw-ins I agree too many were aimless. Some attacking throw-ins were good - Newell seems now to be the new Shades in that regard - but (and I've not dared watch highlights) did their first goal not start with a throw-in to us well inside their half, which went back, back, back and ended up with the Fish out of water.
Disappointment and justifiable criticism aside, that was not a 3-0 game. They just took their chances and had a little bit of luck; we didn't. It was a 50/50 game (which the stats back up) and I'm hopeful of decent odds for the cup tie.

[Nakedmanoncrack]

“Goal machine” that has scored 6 goals from open play, two of them against our shambles of a defence.


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15 goals in 19 games, and joint top scorer in the league is an impressive return.

[buktapurple79]

I backed a horse yesterday afternoon that I thought was good, but it was seriously outpaced into the home straight and ended up weakening and tailed off. It came to mind again with Hanlon's effort trying to chase Humphrys for their third.
Credit where credit is due to Sibbick for that challenge on Youan when he was through on goal. Pleased to see Youan starting to pose a threat.
RE Shankland v Nisbet, I think Nisbet is a considerably better footballer, but Shankland is sharper and has more of a nose for goal.
Some very odd selection choices from LJ for a match such as this but fair dos for changing things at HT and getting a much better performance thereafter.
RE throw-ins I agree too many were aimless. Some attacking throw-ins were good - Newell seems now to be the new Shades in that regard - but (and I've not dared watch highlights) did their first goal not start with a throw-in to us well inside their half, which went back, back, back and ended up with the Fish out of water.
Disappointment and justifiable criticism aside, that was not a 3-0 game. They just took their chances and had a little bit of luck; we didn't. It was a 50/50 game (which the stats back up) and I'm hopeful of decent odds for the cup tie.

On reflection this is where I'm at today. Play 4-4-2 in the cup tie and we'll do them.

[Smartie]

So you and I can see 4 3 3 (or 343) does not work, why did LJ not see this? Especially at Tynecastle.

Why did he not go 442 with Nisbet and Youhan upfront, leave McKirdy out and stick Kenneh in midfield? Or even play Lewis in midfield and Cabraja at left back?

442 is just not really done any more.

Not disagreeing with the points you make about the midfield, I don’t mind Kenneh and do usually like Lewis playing in there, but I still think that the options you mention lose this game heavily.

[Bobby's Cinema]

I backed a horse yesterday afternoon that I thought was good, but it was seriously outpaced into the home straight and ended up weakening and tailed off. It came to mind again with Hanlon's effort trying to chase Humphrys for their third.
Credit where credit is due to Sibbick for that challenge on Youan when he was through on goal. Pleased to see Youan starting to pose a threat.
RE Shankland v Nisbet, I think Nisbet is a considerably better footballer, but Shankland is sharper and has more of a nose for goal.
Some very odd selection choices from LJ for a match such as this but fair dos for changing things at HT and getting a much better performance thereafter.
RE throw-ins I agree too many were aimless. Some attacking throw-ins were good - Newell seems now to be the new Shades in that regard - but (and I've not dared watch highlights) did their first goal not start with a throw-in to us well inside their half, which went back, back, back and ended up with the Fish out of water.
Disappointment and justifiable criticism aside, that was not a 3-0 game. They just took their chances and had a little bit of luck; we didn't. It was a 50/50 game (which the stats back up) and I'm hopeful of decent odds for the cup tie.
It wasn't a 50/50 game. It was a comfortable derby win for Hearts, all but over as a contest at HT. As LJ said, it's easy to play at 2-0 down.
I agree we are capable of winning the cup tie but I'm expecting it to go the other way.

[loanheadhibby]

I backed a horse yesterday afternoon that I thought was good, but it was seriously outpaced into the home straight and ended up weakening and tailed off. It came to mind again with Hanlon's effort trying to chase Humphrys for their third.
Credit where credit is due to Sibbick for that challenge on Youan when he was through on goal. Pleased to see Youan starting to pose a threat.
RE Shankland v Nisbet, I think Nisbet is a considerably better footballer, but Shankland is sharper and has more of a nose for goal.
Some very odd selection choices from LJ for a match such as this but fair dos for changing things at HT and getting a much better performance thereafter.
RE throw-ins I agree too many were aimless. Some attacking throw-ins were good - Newell seems now to be the new Shades in that regard - but (and I've not dared watch highlights) did their first goal not start with a throw-in to us well inside their half, which went back, back, back and ended up with the Fish out of water.
Disappointment and justifiable criticism aside, that was not a 3-0 game. They just took their chances and had a little bit of luck; we didn't. It was a 50/50 game (which the stats back up) and I'm hopeful of decent odds for the cup tie.

Come on don't play the stats card we were well beaten.
Perhaps not a 3-0 game but our first half performance was dire.
I'd like to think we can give them a game in the cup but not sure these guys can roll their sleeves up.
Hope they prove us all wrong.

[mcfly]

On reflection this is where I'm at today. Play 4-4-2 in the cup tie and we'll do them.

Admire your confidence but it’s based on what ? Loyalty?

They fight for the ball, take their chances and are always up for it.

We don’t win derbies regularly enough now because we don’t have players willing to battle and roll their sleeves up.

the standard of player we are signing now is awful for a club our size.

Based on recent derbies we will need a lot of luck to get through.

However the home end will be half empty as most fans feel
We don’t have much of a chance.

Unless the club spends real money in next 2 weeks………🤞🤞

[Ronniekirk]

The most damning thing I saw today was towards the end of the first half. Nisbet, Youan and Mckirdy were waving the the rest of the team to press higher at throw ins in hearts half but there was no reaction. There was a real lack of cohesion in that 11. That shouldn’t be the case after 5/6 months together.


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the three players you quoted have hardly played together but clearly the group collectively didn’t think they should be doing that so why the miscommunication

[Alfred E Newman]

Absolutely no doubt about that. Typical Hearts taking a chance on a player like that whose career has gone off the boil a bit and he has pretty instantly hit the ground running and become a goal machine. If he had signed for us I doubt he would have even scored 3 goals by now.
So he's better than a fully fit Nisbet but he would only have scored three goals for us?