This is how it feels (Dundee Utd 09 04 23)

[Jonnyboy]

There were four changes to the starting eleven for this crucial match against Dundee United at Tannadice with Hanlon (injured), Doyle-Hayes, Stevenson and Hoppe being replaced by Cabraja, Newell, McKirdy and Youan, the last named returning from suspension. It was no surprise that Lee Johnson had rung the changes as Hibs were very poor against Motherwell but whatever improvement he expected was not evident. Other than an early effort by Nisbet, Hibs were poor for the first seventy minutes until they grabbed an equaliser and there was no sign of the ‘front foot’ football spoken of by the manager in the days leading up to this latest reversal.

The absence of Hanlon meant a change in the centre of defence and Johnson decided to go with a pairing of Egan-Riley and Fish, both of whom struggled throughout to deal with ex Hibs man Steven Fletcher. I have to wonder at the choice to move Egan-Riley into the centre when we had an experienced centre half in Devlin sitting on the bench. It was a gamble and it failed to pay off as, but for poor finishing by the hosts, the margin of defeat would have been far greater and tellingly, the best of the squandered chances came in the area where Fish and Egan-Riley were struggling.

Inside the first two minutes, Hibs could and should have opened the scoring. A low cross from McKirdy picked out Nisbet at the front post but Kevin’s flick struck Birighitti on the thigh and went behind for a corner. I confess I thought Hibs would use that as motivation to put the home defence under pressure but it was not to be and in the eighth minute, Dundee United hit the front when a cross by Behich found Fletcher all alone some ten yards out and the striker bulleted a header past Marshall, who had no chance to save it. Both Egan-Riley and Cabraja were close to Fletcher but neither made a serious attempt to win the ball.

On the quarter hour mark, Josh Campbell cushioned a cross into the path of Joe Newell but Joe’s shot was badly sliced and missed the target by miles. Moments later, Campbell struck a low shot that failed to test Birighitti. Behich was causing Chris Cadden all sorts of problems with the Hibs defender getting little or no support from McKirdy who rarely tracked back.

It wasn’t a great watch as both sides committed regular fouls which led to little or no flow to proceedings. Hibs were taking an age to get things moving and the slow play merely allowed the hosts to get back into their shape. Just before the half hour, Jeggo was rightly booked for a late tackle on Scott McMann, the left back who was doing more attacking than defending with Hibs poor down the right. Against Motherwell I wondered if Cadden had a problem with passing to McKirdy and that ‘problem’ was evident again today as Cadden invariably turned back infield rather than look for the wide man.

United were creating chances and Fletcher should have done better than missing the target from good position whilst at the other end, Campbell fired a shot in that Birighitti gathered comfortably. Next, a long ball through the middle looked to have set Fletcher free but the striker was hauled back by Egan-Riley who was booked for his challenge. With half time approaching, a McKirdy corner reached Fish, but the Hibs man couldn’t get any power on his header and only managed to steer the ball wide of the target. On their left, Behich once again lost Cadden and then had a shot at goal, but he dragged the effort wide of the far post. A stupid foul by Joe Newell gave United a chance to put pressure on the Hibs defence but Fletcher couldn’t capitalise and headed wide of the target.

I’ll be honest and say I fully expected half time changes would be made but my expectations were not met as the same eleven started the second half poorly and there was no obvious alteration in the pattern of play. Everything was still too slow and too obvious so United were looking pretty comfortable. A Low cross from Behich picked out Fletcher but the striker went for power over placement and blasted his shot over the bar. Harkes was next to try his luck but a weak shot trundled past the post.

With the hour mark coming up, Johnson finally decided upon a change when Campbell was replaced by Kuharevich and Hibs immediately won a corner, taken by McKirdy and headed over the bar by Kuharevich. Scott McMann then fired in a low effort from distance, but Marshall was up to the task. United substitute Niskanen then missed a glorious chance when a Behich cross was dummied by Fletcher, but the sub blasted his shot high over the bar. It was a costly miss because Hibs equalised a minute later. Cabraja found some space on the left and sent over a cross that Mulgrew missed allowing Kuharevich to control the ball on his chest before slamming it high into the net.

David Marshall was then injured by Fletcher as the Hibs keeper was collecting a high cross and the United man crashed into him. There was no intent to injure but Marshall still needed treatment before he could continue. Using the break in play, Lee Johnson replaced McKirdy and Cabraja with Henderson and Stevenson. Around ten minutes remained when Mulgrew chopped down Kuharevich some twenty five yards from goal. Kevin Nisbet claimed the ball and sent in a stunning free kick that smacked off the bar with Kuharevich off balance in trying to head the ball home as it came towards him.

Elie Youan had been fairly subdued throughout but really should have put Hibs ahead when he played a one two with Nisbet but poked his shot wide with only Birighitti to beat. It would be his last action as he was replaced by the lesser spotted Jair Tavares. That Youan miss proved very costly as a ball into the Hibs area was reached first by Fletcher. There was no immediate danger, but Fish needlessly clattered into him and conceded a penalty. Jamie McGrath sent Marshall the wrong way to put his side 2-1 ahead with only six minutes of added on time to come.

Hibs were piling everyone forward now as United defended in numbers. A Henderson shot was easily gathered and then Nisbet, with four defenders trying to crowd him out, got a shot away but there was no power or direction and Birighitti was untroubled. A final chance to salvage a point fell to Will Fish but the big defender smashed his effort in to the side netting and the game was done.

Another massive disappointment and a huge blow to any chances of finishing in a European spot. In fact, if this form continues, Hibs might find themselves facing Dundee United again after the break.

The players

Marshall – Left horribly exposed at the opening goal and had no chance with the penalty. Strangely, he had very little to do otherwise.

Cadden – Ripped repeatedly by Behich and whilst that was sometimes due to lack of support from McKirdy, Chris had an awful day.

Fish – Fletcher caused him problems throughout and was the man fouled for the penalty.

Egan-Riley – Distribution was poor, and he looked awful as the left centre back when he is so obviously only really powerful on his right.

Cabraja – I now it was his cross to set up the equaliser but other than that I struggle to see why anyone would think he is a better option in that position than Lewis Stevenson.

Jeggo – One paced and terrible with his distribution.

Newell – I was glad to see him back in but once again I felt he spent most of his time committing stupid fouls and moaning at the referee.

McKirdy – The laddie tries but he is, to my mind, a long way short of SPL standard.

Campbell – Josh has suffered a slump in form, and it didn’t surprise me when he was subbed off.

Youan – Not involved nearly enough although that may, in part, be due to the lack of service.

Nisbet – Will be covered in bruises as he seemed to be fouled endlessly.

Kuharevich – Should have been on from the start. Took his goal really well.

Stevenson – Handy at the back as Hibs piled forward and United sat back, Lewis gives a degree of safety knowing he is there.

Henderson – Can’t really remember him getting involved much.

Tavares – On too late to show us what he might bring to the table.

Lee Johnson – Bemoaning the fact that we had two young and naive centre backs. You picked them Lee.

Referee – David Munro – Probably irritated both sets of fans, so job done.

[The Harp Awakes]

Can't argue with any of that JB. Apart from the odd exception, we've got a team of poor quality players, who week in week out turn out the same turgid performances.

Cadden gets ripped apart game after game, yet we have a right back who mostly sits on the bench and has been largely untried. I can't see how he can be any worse at defending.

As you say, an experienced centre back in Devlin also warming the bench and a youngster is played out of position for Hanlon.

[Is It On....]

Can't argue with any of that JB. Apart from the odd exception, we've got a team of poor quality players, who week in week out turn out the same turgid performances.

Cadden gets ripped apart game after game, yet we have a right back who mostly sits on the bench and has been largely untried. I can't see how he can be any worse at defending.

As you say, an experienced centre back in Devlin also warming the bench and a youngster is played out of position for Hanlon.

One thing I would say is that you can't really know how good or bad the players are because the manager is actually poor.

A new man in charge is likely to make a much better success of it than the current incumbent.

I will be relieved when we achieve a points total that means our safety has been ensured.

[Billy Whizz]

JB, Johnson said on his post match interview that Lewis had fluid on his knee, and that’s why he didn’t start

[number9dream]

I’d take exception to the take on Tavares since it was his terrible touch that began the sequence of events that led to the penalty.

A rubbish display all round.

[He's here!]

There's no 'might' about facing United again after the split.

[BILLYHIBS]

Thanks Jonnyboy

Cannot see Kevin Nisbet wanting to hang about with this rubbish past the summer

Said it prematch he had to start with Myko and Nisbet upfront

It’s LJ’s funeral

Fletcher must have been rubbing his hands when he saw the two rookies at Centre Back

[The Harp Awakes]

JB, Johnson said on his post match interview that Lewis had fluid on his knee, and that’s why he didn’t start

OK Billy, I didn't see that. Makes you wonder why he was on the bench though?

[Hiber-nation]

I’d take exception to the take on Tavares since it was his terrible touch that began the sequence of events that led to the penalty.

A rubbish display all round.

As bizarre a substitution as it gets. Youan was horrendous today but surely the sub was Hoppe and just get the ball in the mixer as we weren't creating much other than that one good move when Youan put it past the post.

[Billy Whizz]

OK Billy, I didn't see that. Makes you wonder why he was on the bench though?

The same interview should be on Sportscene, yeah but good point

[where'stheslope]

Thanks Jonnyboy

Cannot see Kevin Nisbet wanting to hang about with this rubbish past the summer

Said it prematch he had to start with Myko and Nisbet upfront

It’s LJ’s funeral

Fletcher must have been rubbing his hands when he saw the two rookies at Centre Back
Could it be 2 manager-less teams next week???

[Bostonhibby]

Could it be 2 manager-less teams next week???Here's hoping.

Thanks for the summary JB[emoji106] Not much to disagree with there based on what I witnessed/endured though I'd say the woeful ref was more helpful to utd than us, that said we were never going to score a second goal and are well capable of conceding more with a weak keeper, easy to play through defence and pedestrian midfield today.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[one day maybe...]

What annoys me is he says he had to go with two inexperienced CB,s.. Utd have been brutal all season and yes fletcher is decent in the air.. why not stick Darren in to play alongside Fish.. before anyone shoots me down saying he’s 37, what age is Mulgrew?

[Hiber-nation]

What annoys me is he says he had to go with two inexperienced CB,s.. Utd have been brutal all season and yes fletcher is decent in the air.. why not stick Darren in to play alongside Fish.. before anyone shoots me down saying he’s 37, what age is Mulgrew?

Daz is done. Not a hope he would be considered.

[marinello59]

What annoys me is he says he had to go with two inexperienced CB,s.. Utd have been brutal all season and yes fletcher is decent in the air.. why not stick Darren in to play alongside Fish.. before anyone shoots me down saying he’s 37, what age is Mulgrew?

I love Darren but he was struggling at the end of last season. No way he would be starting todays game after so long

[one day maybe...]

I love Darren but he was struggling at the end of last season. No way he would be starting todays game after so long

Fair enough I know he’s been playing development games that’s why I mentioned it.. was just looking at the comparisons to mulgrew who came back into the fold for them today and really wasn’t tested IMO..

[Cod Boy]

Darren is still playing in the reserves it’s Scottish football he could have came in today easily. Since Delvin has arrived at the club he hasn’t even had a run out in the reserves to get game time in his legs was injury prone in his short spell at Fleetwood a bizarre addition to the squad.

[Smartie]

In most games McGregor would be a crazy shout, but if he was to play any week it would probably be the week that he's coming up against Fletcher, who isn't going to burn him for pace.

[Unseen work]

Dundee United have got 28% of their points this season against us 🤣 mental

[Billy Whizz]

I love Darren but he was struggling at the end of last season. No way he would be starting todays game after so long

He’s played nearly every reserve league match of late
Haven’t seen the games, so far from done if he’s still playing

[Cod Boy]

Darren is still playing in the reserves it’s Scottish football he could have came in today easily. Since Delvin has arrived at the club he hasn’t even had a run out in the reserves to get game time in his legs was injury prone in his short spell at Fleetwood a bizarre addition to the squad.

[Wilson]

Fair enough I know he’s been playing development games that’s why I mentioned it.. was just looking at the comparisons to mulgrew who came back into the fold for them today and really wasn’t tested IMO..

Mulgrew has played 13 first team games this season and was on the bench for a further six. Would probably have played more but for injury. Daz strolls about in development games talking kids through them. One is an active first team player. The other is handsome and finished.

[one day maybe...]

Mulgrew has played 13 first team games this season and was on the bench for a further six. Would probably have played more but for injury. Daz strolls about in development games talking kids through them. One is an active first team player. The other is handsome and finished.

Handsome 😍 still think he’d have done ok today against a similar aged Fletch with no pace

[Svengali]

Darren is still playing in the reserves it’s Scottish football he could have came in today easily. Since Delvin has arrived at the club he hasn’t even had a run out in the reserves to get game time in his legs was injury prone in his short spell at Fleetwood a bizarre addition to the squad.

Agreed regarding Devlin. Why sign him? Hes played and played well in this league but naw lets play two young loanees.

[LewysGot2]

JB, Johnson said on his post match interview that Lewis had fluid on his knee, and that’s why he didn’t start

And also said we’ll need his experience next weekend…

[LewysGot2]

I’d take exception to the take on Tavares since it was his terrible touch that began the sequence of events that led to the penalty.

A rubbish display all round.

Tavares seemed only to be put on because Youan totally pissed off Johnson. He was raging with him and the motivation seemed to be making a point to Elie as opposed to some serious tactical ploy. Tavares is lost…

[Billy Whizz]

Tavares seemed only to be put on because Youan totally pissed off Johnson. He was raging with him and the motivation seemed to be making a point to Elie as opposed to some serious tactical ploy. Tavares is lost…

Youan missed a glorious chance, but it was a nonsense substitution if the above was the case

[LewysGot2]

Youan missed a glorious chance, but it was a nonsense substitution if the above was the case

He was mighty pissed off with him. Definitely looked like “ right you -off!” moment.

[HIGHLANDLEITHER]

There were four changes to the starting eleven for this crucial match against Dundee United at Tannadice with Hanlon (injured), Doyle-Hayes, Stevenson and Hoppe being replaced by Cabraja, Newell, McKirdy and Youan, the last named returning from suspension. It was no surprise that Lee Johnson had rung the changes as Hibs were very poor against Motherwell but whatever improvement he expected was not evident. Other than an early effort by Nisbet, Hibs were poor for the first seventy minutes until they grabbed an equaliser and there was no sign of the ‘front foot’ football spoken of by the manager in the days leading up to this latest reversal.

The absence of Hanlon meant a change in the centre of defence and Johnson decided to go with a pairing of Egan-Riley and Fish, both of whom struggled throughout to deal with ex Hibs man Steven Fletcher. I have to wonder at the choice to move Egan-Riley into the centre when we had an experienced centre half in Devlin sitting on the bench. It was a gamble and it failed to pay off as, but for poor finishing by the hosts, the margin of defeat would have been far greater and tellingly, the best of the squandered chances came in the area where Fish and Egan-Riley were struggling.

Inside the first two minutes, Hibs could and should have opened the scoring. A low cross from McKirdy picked out Nisbet at the front post but Kevin’s flick struck Birighitti on the thigh and went behind for a corner. I confess I thought Hibs would use that as motivation to put the home defence under pressure but it was not to be and in the eighth minute, Dundee United hit the front when a cross by Behich found Fletcher all alone some ten yards out and the striker bulleted a header past Marshall, who had no chance to save it. Both Egan-Riley and Cabraja were close to Fletcher but neither made a serious attempt to win the ball.

On the quarter hour mark, Josh Campbell cushioned a cross into the path of Joe Newell but Joe’s shot was badly sliced and missed the target by miles. Moments later, Campbell struck a low shot that failed to test Birighitti. Behich was causing Chris Cadden all sorts of problems with the Hibs defender getting little or no support from McKirdy who rarely tracked back.

It wasn’t a great watch as both sides committed regular fouls which led to little or no flow to proceedings. Hibs were taking an age to get things moving and the slow play merely allowed the hosts to get back into their shape. Just before the half hour, Jeggo was rightly booked for a late tackle on Scott McMann, the left back who was doing more attacking than defending with Hibs poor down the right. Against Motherwell I wondered if Cadden had a problem with passing to McKirdy and that ‘problem’ was evident again today as Cadden invariably turned back infield rather than look for the wide man.

United were creating chances and Fletcher should have done better than missing the target from good position whilst at the other end, Campbell fired a shot in that Birighitti gathered comfortably. Next, a long ball through the middle looked to have set Fletcher free but the striker was hauled back by Egan-Riley who was booked for his challenge. With half time approaching, a McKirdy corner reached Fish, but the Hibs man couldn’t get any power on his header and only managed to steer the ball wide of the target. On their left, Behich once again lost Cadden and then had a shot at goal, but he dragged the effort wide of the far post. A stupid foul by Joe Newell gave United a chance to put pressure on the Hibs defence but Fletcher couldn’t capitalise and headed wide of the target.

I’ll be honest and say I fully expected half time changes would be made but my expectations were not met as the same eleven started the second half poorly and there was no obvious alteration in the pattern of play. Everything was still too slow and too obvious so United were looking pretty comfortable. A Low cross from Behich picked out Fletcher but the striker went for power over placement and blasted his shot over the bar. Harkes was next to try his luck but a weak shot trundled past the post.

With the hour mark coming up, Johnson finally decided upon a change when Campbell was replaced by Kuharevich and Hibs immediately won a corner, taken by McKirdy and headed over the bar by Kuharevich. Scott McMann then fired in a low effort from distance, but Marshall was up to the task. United substitute Niskanen then missed a glorious chance when a Behich cross was dummied by Fletcher, but the sub blasted his shot high over the bar. It was a costly miss because Hibs equalised a minute later. Cabraja found some space on the left and sent over a cross that Mulgrew missed allowing Kuharevich to control the ball on his chest before slamming it high into the net.

David Marshall was then injured by Fletcher as the Hibs keeper was collecting a high cross and the United man crashed into him. There was no intent to injure but Marshall still needed treatment before he could continue. Using the break in play, Lee Johnson replaced McKirdy and Cabraja with Henderson and Stevenson. Around ten minutes remained when Mulgrew chopped down Kuharevich some twenty five yards from goal. Kevin Nisbet claimed the ball and sent in a stunning free kick that smacked off the bar with Kuharevich off balance in trying to head the ball home as it came towards him.

Elie Youan had been fairly subdued throughout but really should have put Hibs ahead when he played a one two with Nisbet but poked his shot wide with only Birighitti to beat. It would be his last action as he was replaced by the lesser spotted Jair Tavares. That Youan miss proved very costly as a ball into the Hibs area was reached first by Fletcher. There was no immediate danger, but Fish needlessly clattered into him and conceded a penalty. Jamie McGrath sent Marshall the wrong way to put his side 2-1 ahead with only six minutes of added on time to come.

Hibs were piling everyone forward now as United defended in numbers. A Henderson shot was easily gathered and then Nisbet, with four defenders trying to crowd him out, got a shot away but there was no power or direction and Birighitti was untroubled. A final chance to salvage a point fell to Will Fish but the big defender smashed his effort in to the side netting and the game was done.

Another massive disappointment and a huge blow to any chances of finishing in a European spot. In fact, if this form continues, Hibs might find themselves facing Dundee United again after the break.

The players

Marshall – Left horribly exposed at the opening goal and had no chance with the penalty. Strangely, he had very little to do otherwise.

Cadden – Ripped repeatedly by Behich and whilst that was sometimes due to lack of support from McKirdy, Chris had an awful day.

Fish – Fletcher caused him problems throughout and was the man fouled for the penalty.

Egan-Riley – Distribution was poor, and he looked awful as the left centre back when he is so obviously only really powerful on his right.

Cabraja – I now it was his cross to set up the equaliser but other than that I struggle to see why anyone would think he is a better option in that position than Lewis Stevenson.

Jeggo – One paced and terrible with his distribution.

Newell – I was glad to see him back in but once again I felt he spent most of his time committing stupid fouls and moaning at the referee.

McKirdy – The laddie tries but he is, to my mind, a long way short of SPL standard.

Campbell – Josh has suffered a slump in form, and it didn’t surprise me when he was subbed off.

Youan – Not involved nearly enough although that may, in part, be due to the lack of service.

Nisbet – Will be covered in bruises as he seemed to be fouled endlessly.

Kuharevich – Should have been on from the start. Took his goal really well.

Stevenson – Handy at the back as Hibs piled forward and United sat back, Lewis gives a degree of safety knowing he is there.

Henderson – Can’t really remember him getting involved much.

Tavares – On too late to show us what he might bring to the table.

Lee Johnson – Bemoaning the fact that we had two young and naive centre backs. You picked them Lee.

Referee – David Munro – Probably irritated both sets of fans, so job done.
I drove down from Inverness today with my grandson and was incensed by the performance . You level headed approach has calmed me down somewhat. I agree with your comments about Cadden but would add he brings nothing to the game unless he has a clear field ahead of him and prefers to turn backwards far too often. He is not a defender so what is worth ?
Joe Newell also spends most of his time passing the ball backwards. Cabraja is mostly unable to find a teammate and then blames them for not reaching his wayward passes.
As you say we have an experienced defender on the bench . Fish has promise but needs an experienced defender beside him , why can’t Johnson see that ?

[NAE NOOKIE]

Marshall ... No chance with the goal and saved from backache picking it out the net by some poor United finishing.

Cadden ... Cant defend to save his life, something that is obvious game after game after game, but on top of that if there was a Ballon d'or for hitting the first man with a cross he would be on the stage with Messi and Ronaldo at the end of every season. Has McKirdy nailed his missus or something, because he would clearly rather pass to anybody than him.

Ega-Riley and Fish ...... bullied from start to finish by a pensioner.

Cabraja ... An utterly abject performance littered with inept passing .. one competent cross.

Newell .... little or no impact

Jeggo ... Possibly his worst game in a Hibs shirt, and to think a few weeks ago I was talking him up.

Campbell ... Some talk of interest from Italy, maybe he already has Cornettos and Lambrettas on his mind, efforts like today wont get him to Serie 'C' never mind the San Siro.

McKirdy ... Looks like a kid, plays like a kid .... makes a joke out of any claims that EFL2 is on a level with the Scottish premiership.

Nisbet .... Missed a great chance, but after that had to feed off scraps, no wonder he showed his frustration as yet another pass to him was misplaced, brilliant free kick.

Youan ... Beat himself more than the United defenders did and did very little with the possession he had, could have done better with a presentable chance just before getting hooked.

SUBS:

Kukharevych .... Came on and scored with a super finish ... if the guy is fit start him FFS.

Stevenson ... Did what he does.

Henderson .... Ho hum.

Tavares .... 5 minutes every time he comes on, the guy must feel he's having the piss taken out of him and I bet he yearns for the delights of Benfica's B team.

Lee Johnson ..... The guy across the road has just been sacked for having a better season than him ... nuff said.

The ref. Up to the usual standard .. the only thing of note being a free kick against Hibs for a high boot when the United player's head was at waist height ... do these folk not know that putting your head in that position is dangerous play by the opponent, not the guy trying to kick the ball.

[Stantons Angel]

OK Billy, I didn't see that. Makes you wonder why he was on the bench though?
He was not fit to play then today if he had taken a knock on his knee.

i just wonder why this manager risked him with a big game coming up next weekend! This disasterous outing today may take away any chance we have of fielding a decent defence for next week. The managers judgment has been questioned repeatedly since taking on the position and it still doesnt look like its getting better.

What i dont understand either is why blabb to the media that he doesnt expect Hibs to win or even play well today and still take a team up there obviously lacking in confidence after those remarks.????

it really is a worry!

[Criswell]

Just watched the "highlights" I'm not convinced that is a penalty. Fletcher seems to just throw himself to the ground when both players are challenging for the ball. Don't suppose VAR even looked at that or the McKirdy incident.

[Musselbound]

Just watched the "highlights" I'm not convinced that is a penalty. Fletcher seems to just throw himself to the ground when both players are challenging for the ball. Don't suppose VAR even looked at that or the McKirdy incident.

Agree with you it was a soft penalty but at the same time probably not blatant enough for VAR to get involved. One of those where VAR is likely to go with the onfield decision. I don't know what Mckirdy incident you're referring to?

For me Nisbet is getting off lightly today. Other than the excellent free kick I thought he was really poor. Going down easily at every opportunity. Really powderpuff. People talk about the lack of service but Kukharevych offered far more in his short time on the park and put himself about.

[Jones28]

Agree with you it was a soft penalty but at the same time probably not blatant enough for VAR to get involved. One of those where VAR is likely to go with the onfield decision. I don't know what Mckirdy incident you're referring to?

For me Nisbet is getting off lightly today. Other than the excellent free kick I thought he was really poor. Going down easily at every opportunity. Really powderpuff. People talk about the lack of service but Kukharevych offered far more in his short time on the park and put himself about.

Nisbet was awful. Great attempt at the free kick but it’s like missing the early chance put him off his game.

I just get the impression from him that he can’t wait to leave.

[JimBHibees]

Nisbet was awful. Great attempt at the free kick but it’s like missing the early chance put him off his game.

I just get the impression from him that he can’t wait to leave.

Nisbet has always been better with striker next to him. Why Kuka hasn't started last two games I have no idea.

[Smartie]

Nisbet has always been better with striker next to him. Why Kuka hasn't started last two games I have no idea.

Nisbet was brilliant for a spell in this role at the turn of the year, looked to have really kicked on.

I think part of my disillusionment with Hibs lately has been that our “talent” really looks like it wants / needs to be elsewhere. I’ve never really warmed to Nisbet just like I never really warmed to Porteous.

You want to be watching players who have ability, look happy and are committed but we have none who tick all these boxes. Well, none who aren’t long term injured.

With Hanlon and Stevenson ageing, it’s hard to identify anything resembling a core of players we’ll be building around for years to come.

[JimBHibees]

Nisbet was brilliant for a spell in this role at the turn of the year, looked to have really kicked on.

I think part of my disillusionment with Hibs lately has been that our “talent” really looks like it wants / needs to be elsewhere.

You want to be watching players who have ability, look happy and are committed but we have none who tick all these boxes. Well, none who aren’t long term injured.

Yep think McGeady injury won't have helped as they linked up pretty well in the small number of games they payed.

[Smartie]

Yep think McGeady injury won't have helped as they lined up pretty well in the small number of games they payed.

I was just thinking that we’re missing McGeady pretty badly. Surely it isn’t a coincidence that his brief spell injury free coincided with some of the best stuff we’ve played this season?

[hibsbollah]

I was just thinking that we’re missing McGeady pretty badly. Surely it isn’t a coincidence that his brief spell injury free coincided with some of the best stuff we’ve played this season?

Absolutely. Miss McGeady Massively.

[JimBHibees]

Absolutely. Miss McGeady Massively.

Agree confidence and ability to take the ball and create something. Also can still beat a player and deliver. Linked up the play very well thought our performance first half Killie was as good as we have played. Unfortunately went off late in that half. Night and day what we are doing now. Probably his attitude and having higher standards missed in dressing room also.

[Hibernia&Alba]

Thanks for another comprehensive write-up, Jonny. It all feels so predictable: a team that hadn't won in ten matches, then Hibs roll into town.....:rolleyes: