How Hearts and Hibs showed why they are best placed to challenge the status quo in Scotland and end a 15-year top four wait
Expectations. When it comes to the Edinburgh derby, it’s always a good rule to have very few.
Sunday’s encounter at Tynecastle Park had all the makings of a classic with Hearts and Hibs sitting second and first in the cinch Premiership at the start of the weekend. There was a real belief that a goal fest would transpire but realistically that was never going to be the case.
Both sides came into the match with an impressive defensive set-up, with the best xGA (goals expected to concede) so far this campaign. And they showed exactly why in the stalemate with strong displays from defenders and even better performances from the two goalkeepers, earning praise from both managers.
It is easy to look at the score and assume it was a difficult watch. However, that wasn’t the case. It was a game which captivated for 90 minutes. Energetic, played at a high tempo with intensity from the stands and chances at both ends with 26 created.
Hearts’ upper hand
On the evidence of the 90 minutes, Hearts appear the stronger of the two Edinburgh sides. They created the better chances (xG of 1.39 to 1.03), they passed the ball better (75 per cent success rate compared to 66 per cent) and had greater control, aided by Beni Baningime and Peter Haring patrolling the midfield like a crack crime fighting duo. Any danger, problem or issue solved with little fuss.
Ross was missing key players in Jake Doyle-Hayes, Christian Doidge and Jamie Murphy, and his decision to switch from a 4-2-3-1 for the first time in the league proved to be a shrewd one, giving the side a strong platform. Joe Newell and Ryan Porteous were both excellent although it was an afternoon where it didn’t quite click in the final third with a degree of concern going forward over the lack of attacking addition before the transfer window closed.
The 15-year wait
While there was criticism of the managers from some fans – for Jack Ross it was another example of the Hibs boss being unable to win big games, for Robbie Neilson it was the substitutions – it is clear they have both built formidable squads up to the task of battling it out in the upper echelons of the league.