Michael Stewart spots 'crazy' Hibs vs Hearts moment that proved key in derby as Jambos difference maker named
The former Hearts and Hibs midfielder watched on over the Edinburgh derby last Sunday.
Michael Stewart reckons one ‘crazy’ moment proved key to deciding the outcome of Hibs vs Hearts - as one Jambo is named a Premiership title race difference maker.
The pundit who featured for both sides of the Edinburgh divide watched on as a Warren O’Hora own goal and Blair Spittal strike sealed Jambo joy in a 2-1 success. With Rangers losing to Motherwell, Hearts are now three points in front of second-placed Celtic with the Light Blues in third and four back, ahead of Danny Rohl’s Light Blues visiting Tynecastle next Monday. Title glory is edging closer with four games to go but Hibs were masters of their own downfall.
Martin Boyle had put the home team at Easter Road ahead before goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger handled the ball outside his box. A VAR review sent him packing with Jordan Smith replacing him and right-back Felix Passlack picked up a second yellow at the start of the second half. Stewart reckons the first red was the trigger for the game getting away from Hibs, as he backs Hearts’ Sabah Kerjota to play a key role in the remaining matches, after creating both maroon goals off the bench.
Michael Stewart on Hibs 1-2 Hearts
He told the Premier Sports Social Club: ”The way that it's played out. You talk about games of football in terms of it's only three points, but it's not really, some are more in terms of the psychology and the belief. I mean it's a crazy moment from Salinger. He's got himself in a real pickle there and ultimately it's the right decision that's been arrived at. Not sure it needed to take as long as that. I do think it's another one of those where the ref is waiting for VAR to make the decision for him rather than making the call himself.
“Jordan Smith came on and played brilliantly. Some really impressive saves, but look, the long and short of it is that it's another game that's ticked off for Hearts that they've won. In the process, that belief just continues to grow and it's four games now. They’re sitting top of the table and it's quite an incredible season, it really has been, it's been the best season I think in all of our lifetime. Because it's got people engaged, the enjoyment of Scottish football is through the roof.
“I've got a lot of sympathy for the Hibs supporters. It's obviously Hearts that are on the charge and chasing a title. Everyone else is sort of looking on and being excited by it, so it's difficult for them. Hibs are a good team as well but this is a campaign for the ages. if Hearts are able to eventually do it then they'll be well and truly worthy winners. There is no reason why Hearts can't do it. You look at the next couple of games here, Celtic are away to Hibs, very, very tough game.
What Hearts star could play key role in title race?
“Hibs could easily take something from that, and if that for example was a draw, and Hearts were to beat Rangers. You’re looking at a situation where Hearts are now five points ahead of Celtic and seven ahead of Rangers, before Rangers and Celtic are playing each other. It's quite incredible, we're four games out and Hearts are top of the table. Three points clear and they have got the squad.
“I saw somebody mention about Kerjota there. I mean that's an incredible stat, he's never started a game this season yet. I'm looking at him now and I'm thinking, whether you're starting him or not, you can't argue the case against him. He has to play a part because he is, he's a real difference maker, when he gets the ball, he gets you on the edge of the seat, makes you feel like something's going to happen and you know, it could well be that somebody like that, such a pivotal player at the end of the campaign, could finish being such an influential player and not having started a game.”
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