Hearts 2 - 2 Hibs instant analysis: Cheap goals disaster

The home side had taken a 2-0 lead with goals either side of half-time. Alan Forrest put Steven Naismith's men in front with a spectacular left-footed effort from the edge of the box. After the interval excellent positive play from Alex Lowry saw Christian Doidge turn the ball into his own net.

But then Hearts gave the visitors two cheap and identical goals just past the hour mark. Each team had their chances in the remainder of the game but it finished even.

Hearts seize the initiative

Steven Naismith spoke in the build-up to this match of the importance of his Hearts side getting off to a strong start and playing the game on their terms - something that his team have struggled with on occasion this season. The decision to revert to the 4-2-3-1 shape was an early indicator of the hosts’ determination to play on the front foot, as was the call to include playmaker Alex Lowry and deploy him in a central No.10 position.

The extra man in midfield provided Hearts with a platform to seize control in the middle and dictate the pace of the game, and it was an opportunity that was seized with gusto by the men in maroon. The likes of Lowry and Lawrence Shankland peppered David Marshall’s goal with a few decent efforts from half-chances early on – the former was unfortunate not to break the deadlock with a curling effort from the edge of the box that rattled off the far post – while at the other end, Hibs barely had a sniff.

Martin Boyle served an early warning of his attacking qualities when he burst in behind Hearts’ defence, with Cammy Devlin wisely deciding to bring the pacey winger, even if it meant picking up an early booking. The visitors had a spell of pressure right at the end of the opening 45 minutes through a succession of set-pieces but it was the first real threat they had posed. And by that time, they were already left with it all to do after a moment of magic from Alan Forrest handed Hearts a well-deserved lead.

James Cairney

Until they handed it right back

Tring to put what happened between minutes 66 and 68 into words is tricky. Hearts handed Hibs two goals. That's the most simple explanation. The Gorgie side were in cruise control. Two goals to the good against an opposition who rarely win at Tynecastle Park and a raucous home crowd. In an attacking sense the visitors had offered very little. Hearts, especially Kye Rowles, had marshalled the Hibs threat aided by some excellent defensive blocks including one from Frankie Kent in the first half. 

Then slack, half-hearted and even amateurish decisions in their own box presented Elie Youan with two goals. There was little more to it than that. A baffling and ultimately costly episode.

Hearts responded with attacking intent and created more. But while Hibs tested Zander Clark, the home side didn't test Maksymilian Boruc who was brought on in place of the injured David Marshall.

It was two points dropped and all of their own making. You don't win games if you give up cheap goals.

Joel Sked

Lowry class

Steven Naismith was asked if Alex Lowry had done enough in recent weeks to warrant a starting place. After all he scored the winner against Kilmarnock and set up the goal which secured three points in Dingwall against Ross County. The Hearts head coach explained the on loan Rangers star was still in his journey and how it was decision making and his role without the ball which needed refining.

Therefore he was a relatively surprising inclusion when the teams were announced. This was a huge opportunity for the 20-year-old playmaker and a huge show of faith by Naismith to put him in such an important fixture where a number of players have got lost before.

He didn't disappoint. 

For someone so young he controlled the game to his pace. He found space and dictated the tempo. Not easy things to do in the Edinburgh derby. He played with his head up, he carried the ball forward and was aware of everything around him. Some fans spoke of wanting to see more directness and goal threat from the youngster. He provided that. He saw a shot beaten away by David Marshall and another hit the base of the post. After the goal he faded for a spell but then came to life again after the interval. There were points where Hibs players were wary of engaging, knowing full well he had the talent and vision of skipping away, dropping a shoulder and finding a decisive pass.

Then he provided another moment of magic. He carried the ball into the box and slid a pass across the area. A pass so tempting Christian Doidge could only slice it into his own net.

Joel Sked

Sub decision

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but it's all we have following a game of football. The decision to replace Alex Lowry with Beni Baningime in the aftermath of the second goal was one which made sense in a defensive sense but it removed the team's most creative player and on the back of seeing Hibs net twice it looks like the wrong move. And in the eyes of fans it wasn't a popular decision. It had a knock-on effect with Cammy Devlin, who had been moved into a more advanced role, then being replaced to add more attacking impetus. The Aussie was on a booking but was an influential figure.

The substitutions hve been questioned but it's not what cost Hearts the win. Far from it.

Kingsley sympathy

Steven Naismith revealed Alex Cochrane had returned to training ahead of the Edinburgh derby. The timing could hardly be any better. Stephen Kingsley was stretchered off before half-time after coming up with a crucial intervention in the Hearts box. It was a frustrating sight. The left-back has been back to his very best this season, providing attacking width and defensive solidity. It follows a stop-start campaign last season. The player's despondent facial expression was understandable as he was carried down the tunnel after so much hard work getting back to his high standards.

On a collective level there will be a frustration with another key player set for a spell on the sidelines. A player who provides tactical flexibility.

Joel Sked