Hibs Shatter Hearts' Title Hopes - What Lies Ahead for Easter Road?

Xenio

Dec 28, 2025

A Remarkable Derby Performance

At a time of year when indulgence is often encouraged, it’s only natural for Hibs fans to have felt a sense of greed during yesterday's derby at Easter Road. As their team built a three-goal lead, it seemed as though they were on the verge of securing one of their biggest victories over Hearts in nearly 25 years. The desire for more was understandable, but there's also value in winning tight matches, especially when David Gray's team has faced frustratingly close calls this season.

Instead of dwelling on what could have been, let's focus on the clear truths revealed over nearly 100 minutes of exceptional football. The match marked the 150th anniversary of the fixture in a fitting manner, and the result carries significant implications for the future.

Dominating the Top Contenders

Gray and his men managed to dominate, for at least 75 minutes, a Hearts team that is generally considered one of the best in Scotland. This isn't a boxing match where defeating a challenger earns you a shot at the title, but taking down the team at the top of the table does carry weight. Hibs must make this victory meaningful.

With only half a dozen Scottish Premiership games left before the next derby, it's worth considering where Gray's team might stand in the league by the time they face their rivals again. After the upcoming match against Aberdeen, the schedule includes Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Falkirk, Rangers, and Dundee United. These games are filled with potential, depending on how optimistic one is.

Between now and the trip to Gorgie, and with the January transfer window approaching, Hibs have a chance to position themselves strongly in a league that, for once, doesn’t have a runaway favorite. Reflecting on a five-goal match that showcased more control than the final score indicated, is it possible for Hibs to be in contention?

Hearts' Resilience

Despite being beaten and nearly broken, Hearts showed resilience by bringing the score back to 3-2 by full-time. While losing a derby doesn't strip them of their status as contenders, it's clear that Hibs were highly effective in breaking down Hearts and neutralizing their threats. Their controlled aggression forced play into safe zones, which must have given Gray and his coaching staff encouragement.

Having come close against Rangers and Celtic this season, should Hibs fear anyone in the second half of the campaign?

Strategic Planning

Gray deserves credit for his bold selection of Kanayo Megwa at right wingback, a move that paid off with the energy and aggression he brought to the role. He also had a plan in place in case Nicky Cadden’s injury flared up again. Josh Campbell was prepared to step in early, and Jamie McGrath was ready to take over the left wingback role.

As expected, Hearts targeted McGrath, but the opposite happened. His quality, already evident when he opened the scoring, shone through again as he set up Campbell for the second goal.

Managing Anxiety

Gray acknowledged the "anxiety" factor in such high-stakes matches. He explained that while game plans are essential, the intensity and atmosphere of a derby require players to be mentally prepared. He believed the team rose to the occasion, showing the necessary intensity and aggression.

Key Individual Performances

It's challenging to single out individual players or highlight moments beyond the goals. However, Kieron Bowie's gesture of consoling Cammy Devlin after an hour was telling. Throughout the match, Hibs players dominated their opponents.

Warren O’Hora stood out for his tight marking of Claudio Braga. Dan Barlaser found his rhythm early. Bowie scored brilliantly, and Martin Boyle made a remarkable contribution despite not managing a shot on target. On days like this, covering ground and winning the ball back can be just as important as scoring.

Above all, Hibs capitalized on their chances. Midway through the season, they've consistently ranked near the top in expected goals (xG), making this trend a welcome development.