Hibs final word: Plenty to like about Jack Ross' new-look, defensively stronger team

It’s early days yet, but there is already plenty to be positive about for Hibs fans, writes Patrick McPartlin

Alex Gogic (far left) and Josh Doig impressed on their Hibs debuts

Had Saturday’s Premiership game been played last season, there’s a good chance it would have been a draw and indeed, Kilmarnock’s first visit to Easter Road last term ended with Dario Del Fabro netting an injury-time equaliser after Hibs had opened up a two-goal lead in the first half.

But without supporters in the stands, a different head coach on the touchline, and seven changes to the starting line-up, this was very much a different Hibs, from top to bottom. It got a little hairy at times, but Jack Ross’ men starting off the 2020/21 campaign with a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock in the Capital thanks to a first-half brace from Martin Boyle.

Resolute defending

Hibs used a multitude of rearguard combinations last season with no fewer than nine players appearing over the campaign. One constant, however, was the haphazard defending at times. Opposition teams knew exactly how to cause panic in the Hibs backline and more often than not were rewarded.

There were still heart-in-mouth moments against Kilmarnock, but the fact Hibs managed to withstand second-half pressure suggests that certain gremlins are being eradicated.

Paul Hanlon will be buying the beers for Ofir Marciano for the foreseeable after the Israeli goalkeeper – largely untested against the Ayrshire side – threw himself low to his left to claw away a certain goal after the centre-back’s sliced clearance when Hibs were defending a 2-1 lead.

Ryan Porteous headed everything that moved, and even some things that didn’t, and battled on despite turning his ankle in the first half. Josh Doig didn’t look like an 18-year-old making his debut, and Paul McGinn and late substitute Lewis Stevenson were solid when called upon.

Some fans have already been calling for defensive reinforcements but with Adam Jackson, David Gray, Darren McGregor and Tom James, Hibs look to be well-stocked in defence. There is still work to do but it’s worth remembering that Porteous hasn’t played competitively since January and Doig had only played first-team football at League Two level.

Tougher tests lie ahead but there was plenty to like about Saturday's defensive showing.

The Gogic Show

Had Boyle not stolen the show with his double, the man-of-the-match champagne would surely have gone to Alex Gogic. Granted, the Cypriot midfielder lost the ball in the lead-up to Kilmarnock’s goal, but he more than made up for it by bailing Hibs out time and again. Shaven-headed, with socks rolled down, he cuts an imposing figure in the middle of the park.

What Hibs would have given to have had a player like him in front of the defence last season.

He’s not just a defensive rock either; on more than one occasion he surged forwards with the ball to start an attack, and wasn’t too far away with headed efforts on goal in each half.

On Saturday’s showing at least, Gogic looks more than capable of filling the Marvin Bartley – or even Matty Jack – role.

Boyle and Ross both sang Gogic’s praises after the match. If the 26-year-old can maintain this level of performance he could well be the difference in a few games this season, and potentially even Hibs’ final league position.

Tactical bingo

In the early part of last season, Hibs were over-reliant on Scott Allan; understandable given the player’s talent and eye for a pass.

But three goals and one assist in the league during Paul Heckingbottom’s time in charge seemed a poor return for such an influential playmaker.

Perhaps opposition teams were getting wise to the “give the ball to Allan and hope for the best” approach but it also suggested that Hibs playing with one up front wasn’t working.

Post-Heckingbottom, and in a team playing two in attack, Allan struck two goals and laid on seven more in the league.

Crucially, though, Ross seems far more willing than his predecessor to tweak things. Against Kilmarnock, he set his team out in a 3-5-2 formation with Allan playing just ahead of Joe Newell and Gogic in the central positions and Doig and Drey Wright in the wingback roles.

Deploying Boyle as an auxiliary striker was a master stroke, and one Ross has used previously to great effect.

Just before half-time, and after Allan had orchestrated Hibs’ second, he shook things up by moving to a 4-3-3 set-up with Wright shifted onto the left of an attacking front three, Doig moved to full-back, and Paul McGinn moving to right-back from centre-half.

After an hour he withdrew the tiring Allan and brought on Daryl Horgan in a bid to stretch the Kilmarnock defence. One cross from the winger was met by fellow sub Christian Doige and if the Welshman hadn't missed a sizeable chunk of pre-season, there’s a good chance he would have found the back of the net.

With 15-20 minutes to go, Ross reverted to 4-4-2 with Stevenson coming on for the tiring Doig at left-back. The defensive stalwart threw himself in the way of a goalbound effort late on to ensure the three points would be staying at Easter Road but his heir apparent also impressed on his debut as he dealt well with the experience and threat of Chris Burke.

Stevenson could get fewer minutes this season but even with a different role – helping to bring on Doig and providing experience from the bench – he remains a key part of the squad.

So, 95 minutes of football, key substitutions at key stages, three different formations, three points. It won’t always be so straightforward, but it is a big positive that Ross is prepared to be so proactive in the hunt for victories.

On Saturday’s showing things certainly look promising, but only time will tell if Hibs have truly exorcised the many ghosts of last season.