Hibernian 3-1 Aberdeen: Josh Campbell scores twice as hosts come from behind
- Published
Josh Campbell scored twice in the second half
Hibernian "looked the real deal", says Lee Johnson, as they recorded back-to-back Scottish Premiership wins for the first time this season after coming from behind to defeat 10-man Aberdeen.
Luis Lopes gave the visitors the lead before Liam Scales was booked twice in two minutes and conceded a penalty after tangling with Ryan Porteous.
Martin Boyle dispatched the spot-kick, before Josh Campbell's brace in the second half completed the comeback as Hibs moved into the top half of the table, above Aberdeen.
"I thought the performance was excellent and it was coming," manager Johnson added. "I'm very happy for the players because they've worked hard and we haven't felt our league position has warranted the work-rate the boys have put in."
A Hibs win seemed unlikely early on as Aberdeen started with real vigour. Cape Verde international Lopes repaid Goodwin's trust inside five minutes, glancing in Hayden Coulson's cross for his third goal in three games.
Hibs responded well to going behind, nearly levelling within 10 minutes. Ryan Porteous' mishit effort was helped along by Paul Hanlon, but the defender was in an offside position.
The tackles were crunching in, with Aberdeen captain Anthony Stewart and fellow centre-back Scales receiving yellow cards, the latter for a foul on the lively Campbell.
Things soon got worse for Celtic loanee Scales, who was shown his second yellow in short order for wrestling with Porteous as Joe Newell's corner was swung in. A penalty was further punishment.
Aberdeen-born Boyle, who became a father for the second time this week, dispatched coolly from the spot to pull Hibs level at the interval.
Buoyed by the man advantage, Hibs pummelled Kelle Roos' goal. Debutant Mykola Kukharevych scuffed a close-range shot, while Newell was denied by the sprawling Dutch goalkeeper.
Aberdeen's strong second-half resolve was eventually broken twice by Campbell, with his third and fourth goals of the season.
Chris Cadden's driving run from his own half ended by him slipping in Campbell, who turned and slotted confidently past Roos. His second could not have been simpler, tapping in after an knock down from Kukharevych.
Bojan Miovski had an opportunity late on to revive Aberdeen's comeback hopes when he skewed his effort from close range.
Player of the match - Josh Campbell
Even before his brace, Josh Campbell was here, there and everywhere for Hibs.
Hibs still slack in front of goal - analysis
Kukharevych better have broad shoulders for the weight of expectations his manager has placed on him. Pre-match, Lee Johnson spoke of the requirement for an "orthodox number nine" and it was evident on Saturday.
Hibs enjoyed most of the possession, dominating midfield and finding joy down both flanks. Crosses were floated, pin-pointed and driven into the danger area, but the quality of them couldn't be matched by their eventual recipients.
From an Aberdeen perspective, both of Campbell's goals were poorly defended and simply executed.
Jim Goodwin will be frustrated at the manner in which his side conceded, as well as losing Scales while Leighton Clarkson is also out suspended.
What they said
Hibernian manager Lee Johnson: "I thought the performance was excellent and it was coming.
"The goal, and then another sending off which we managed to force through our good play, we come out with about 25 shots and that's been consistent in our play."
Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin: "You are always worried who is marking Ryan Porteous because you know what he is like, he's won so many free-kicks and penalties for his conning of the referee, he goes over very easy.
"People will say that's sour grapes on my part, but I don't care because today that's cost my team at least a point, if not three."
What's next?
It's international week next week so neither side is in action until 1 October. Hibs are away to Ross County while Aberdeen host Kilmarnock, both at 15:00 BST.