Lobey_Dosser

We’ve set such a high standard but today was disappointing, possibly the least enthralling game at Fir Park under Jens. Tiredness may be playing a part and the opposition are far better prepared now, but the absence of both Longelo and Said made us much easier to play against. Hopefully we can rediscover our zip in the final third or it is going to be an underwhelming end to the season. Our record against the top 6 so far is P13 W2 D7 L4 so there is plenty room for improvement.

That’s the game that immediately sprung to my mind, Kenny Wright with the 5th. 22 years ago, jeez…

Without getting too caught up in the detail of the guidelines, I do think recent decisions relating to ‘obvious’ goalscoring opportunities have been influenced by the VAR call to red card Trusty at Tynecastle and the fallout from the rejected appeal. The Falkirk one against Dundee Utd at the weekend was another example of trying to be consistent with the Trusty decision and appropriateness for VAR intervention.

Ever since the game was rescheduled, I wasn’t overly optimistic or excited about tonight. I think the signs have been there that given our schedule, we would rotate tonight and whilst not publicly admit it, prioritise the league. I’m so invested in our league form that I’m completely on board with that approach. Time will tell if’s the right call. Slight concern though is that relative to our very high standards we looked jaded against Aberdeen on Sunday and elements of our game were less polished than usual. Tonight’s performance is hard to gauge with the early and debatable red card so we may head to Paisley with a little apprehension. Just on tonight, credit to the players who gave it there all right to the very end. O’Donnell and McGinn were excellent once again.

Spoiled for choice once again but Fadinger is so good. Big boost to see Slattery back on form.

I love Maswanhise but now wouldn’t be the worst time for a bidding war, particularly with Celtic a little desperate. £3mil+ for a player that originally joined on trial would be some return.

I wonder if the home gate could touch 7k on Saturday. Aside from all the warranted euphoria around the performance against Celtic, it was so refreshing walking up to Fir Park and not feeling outnumbered by that lot.

Elijah Just for me due to the power of work he got through - if only he had a bit of conviction with his shooting. I do love Welsh and believe that he should be in the conversation for the World Cup.

That’s the poorest I’ve seen us on the ball this season and it’s no coincidence it occurred when Watt was missing. McGinn and Welsh probably our top two performers for the 2nd game in a row. After an off-performance against Hearts, I was expecting Slattery to bounce back tonight but it wasn’t to be. Hopefully he can provide goals and assists soon as it looks like our no.9 position is becoming an issue that won’t be resolved soon and poor Said looks incapable of finding any composure in the box.

I thought McGinn was the standout tonight.

Welsh for me, strolled it.

Priestman hasn’t really made much of an impression on me with his substitute appearance but he slotted in seamlessly last night. Very impressive. Elijah Just a joy to watch. Hibs didn’t know what to do with him.

JBA has impressed from day one but tonight was further evidence that we have someone special on our hands. Changing shape to combat Hibs threat whilst integrating 5 changes couldn’t have been envisaged by anyone. For the players, some of whom have barely featured, to then look so comfortable in their roles is testament to the work on the training pitch and the clear instruction provided by the manager. Three wins in one week is a lot to ask for and Hearts will be much stiffer opposition than the version of Hibs that turned up tonight. However, we should be confident of beating anyone with the quality and intelligence we have at our disposal.

Fair bit of chat about the need for recruitment. Two players that were brought in to be integral to JBAs style of play are Just and Said and are presumably amongst the highest earners. I like the pair of them but both went missing on the big stage yesterday.

An excellent turnout but it didn’t feel like it from where I was sitting. If I was ever in doubt, I’d now fully support moving these games to Easter Road or Tynecastle.