Pundits brand Hibs 'basic' 'one-dimensional' and criticise defensive errors in Scottish Cup final defeat to St Johnstone

Ally McCoist branded Hibs ‘one dimensional’ while Chris Sutton believed Jack Ross’ side ‘lacked guile’ in their attacking play during their Scottish Cup final defeat to St Johnstone.
Hibernian's Josh Doig looks dejected after St Johnstone's Shaun Rooney heads home past Hibernian's Matt Macey to make it 1-0 during the Scottish Cup final match between Hibernian and St Johnstone at Hampden Park, on May 22, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)Hibernian's Josh Doig looks dejected after St Johnstone's Shaun Rooney heads home past Hibernian's Matt Macey to make it 1-0 during the Scottish Cup final match between Hibernian and St Johnstone at Hampden Park, on May 22, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Hibernian's Josh Doig looks dejected after St Johnstone's Shaun Rooney heads home past Hibernian's Matt Macey to make it 1-0 during the Scottish Cup final match between Hibernian and St Johnstone at Hampden Park, on May 22, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

The Hibees fell to Shaun Rooney’s first half header and could not find a leveller in 90 agonising minutes at Hampden.

Premier Sports’ panel of Chris Sutton, Ally McCoist and former Saints manager Derek McInnes couldn’t help but be impressed by St Johnstone’s central defenders Jamie McCart, Liam Gordon and captain Jason Kerr. Sutton said the dominant trio “monstered” Hibs frontman Christian Doidge and were worthy winners.

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He said: “They thoroughly deserved the victory. I really like Doidge but the three centre-halves who we have spoken about a lot this season – they monstered him all afternoon.

“I think Hibs were a bit basic at times and lacked guile but take nothing away from St. Johnstone.”

McCoist added: “Chris is right, I thought Hibs wear a bit one-dimensional particularly towards the end of the game and I know an element of it is you want to get the ball into the opposition box and start them panicking a bit but they were disappointing in wide areas and for the balls coming in, the back three for St Johnstone were very dominant.”

SCOTTISH CUP FINAL RECAP: St Johnstone 1 Hibs 0 as it happened

Chris Sutton. (Picture: Gary Hutchison/ SNS)Chris Sutton. (Picture: Gary Hutchison/ SNS)
Chris Sutton. (Picture: Gary Hutchison/ SNS)

Defensive praise couldn’t be echoed for Hibs as Derek McInnes added: “Jack [Ross] will know that the first goal in any game is critical especially against St. Johnstone.

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“We’ve praised St.Johnsone's quality for the goal but the defensive element is so poor and deserves to be punished and unfortunately from Hibs’ view they never had enough in them to get back into the game.”

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