Hibernian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

As half-time approached at Easter Road on Saturday, you could feel the uneasy atmosphere spreading around the stadium.

And although Dwight Gayle was able to nod home an equaliser against Ross County, there were still some rumblings of discontent around the ground.

But the second-half performance certainly eased those concerns.

Yes, it took a penalty kick from Elie Youan to put the team in front, but overall there was a sharpness in the second 45 minutes that was nowhere in the first period.

There is a sense that this season will be one of transition, and with so many players out if contract in the summer there will be a few who are already thinking they are on their way out.

On numerous occasions I have intimated a manager needs time. Time is a commodity rarely issued in modern-day football, but there has to be a realisation of what can be achieved when there is so much uncertainty.

In the next week, David Gray will take his team to Pittodrie and Tynecastle before seeing out 2024 at home to Kilmarnock.

Given the lack of consistency, it's difficult to predict what would be a good points total from those three games.

It's conceivable that Hibs could enter 2024 inside the top six, but the same could be said about them being bottom of the table.

That itself gives an indication of just how topsy-turvy this league can be.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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After a stellar, record-breaking start to the season, Jimmy Thelin's Aberdeen have stuttered.

Not since early November have they recorded a victory, a 4-1 win over Dundee, and Rangers are now closing in on second spot.

Three points would be a lovely early Christmas gift for the Dons boss, who has still enjoyed a superb start to life in Scotland despite the current winless run.

A spell of five league games without a victory, including two defeats and three draws, has allowed third-placed Rangers to close the gap on second to just two points - plus the Ibrox side have played a game fewer.

The Dons' ongoing winless run comes after they won a remarkable 10 of their first 11 league games this season.

One of those recent draws came against Hibernian, a chaotic 3-3 game at the end of last month, and the pair meet again at Pittodrie on Saturday.

That results means Aberdeen have only won one of their last seven league meetings with Hibs, and the wild encounter at Easter Road has served as a bit of a turning point for David Gray's side.

Since then they have won two of their last three league games, as many as their previous 18, and are looking to win back-to-back Premiership fixtures for the first time in a year, which is a pretty sobering statistic for the Leith club.

These meetings also tend to be high-scoring affairs, given Hibs have scored two or more goals in five of their last seven league games against the Dons while conceding two or more in each of the last three.

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Alan Stubbs has admitted he "jumped too quick" from Hibernian when he departed the club in the summer of 2016.

The former Celtic defender's exit came just days after he led the Leith side to a historic Scottish Cup triumph over Rangers in an epic final.

Although Stubbs failed to get Hibs promoted back to the top flight, he will forever be remembered fondly by the support for that memorable day at Hampden.

Looking back on his time at the club, the ex-Everton centre-back regrets his decision to move to Rotherham less than two weeks after the cup success.

He was sacked by the then English Championship club three months later before another short stint at St Mirren in 2018. He has not had a managerial job since.

Speaking on the BBC's Sacked in the Morning podcast, Stubbs said: "I'll be the first to admit I made mistakes. I jumped too quick from Hibs. We would have won the [Scottish Championship] the following year. Our squad was far too strong.

"I should have stayed. But I just thought the opportunity to go to the English Championship [was too good to turn down]. If I did well at Rotherham, then there's another opportunity in there. Obviously my thinking was wrong.

"I can honestly say it wasn't a financial [decision] because Hibs had tried everything to offer me a new deal, an improved contract, so the difference wasn't huge going to Rotherham.

"I didn't do my due diligence in terms of the job, everything about it, the squad, the budget was obviously the lowest in the division. And then the timing going in there was far too late.

"The majority of the better free transfers had already gone, then you're just recycling players that have already been given a 'no' from numbers of managers, and there's a reason why they've been given a no. Ultimately, I just didn't enjoy it there."

Hibernian head coach David Gray has no concerns over the 15 players going into the final months of their contracts at Easter Road, saying he doesn't believe it will impact performances. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read the rest of Wednesday's Scottish gossip.

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

I left Easter Road on Saturday feeling like Sir Alex Ferguson in his infamous pitchside rant at his Aberdeen team's performance after they had won the Scottish Cup back in the 1980s.

I had just witnessed an important and potentially season-defining victory as Hibs saw off a spirited Ross County challenge to move off the foot of the table.

This was the type of game - a veritable six-pointer against so-called lesser opposition - that Hibs have habitually been failing to win in recent times. We had become specialists in finding a way not to win when it really matters.

Not so on Saturday. Despite an awful start where Ross County took a deserved lead, and a first-half performance that could have been enough to get not only the manager, but his backroom team, the players, the board, the fans and anyone else associated with the club the sack, Hibs found a way to win.

That was the be all and end all for the weekend. Win, no matter what.

For all the criticism the players took for that first half, they deserve credit for doing enough to secure a victory that leaves city rivals Hearts rock bottom of the table and us in the lofty heights of ninth place.

We will play much better and lose, we have done so on many occasions this season already. So I am loathe to dwell on the negatives any longer than is necessary for the players and coaching staff to learn from them and improve for Saturday's tough visit to Pittodrie.

Three points in that game and we might even start thinking about taking out the passports!

Matty Fairnie can be found at Longbangers Podcast, external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Elie Youan: The brightest spark for Hibs on a day that saw them secure a hugely morale boosting 3-1 win over Ross County at Easter Road.

Jordan Obita told Hibernian teammate Elie Youan to prove his doubters wrong before the forward's recent upturn in form. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

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Dwight Gayle says Hibs showed the "character" they have in the squad in Saturday's 3-1 win against Ross County, despite not being at their best.

Gayle headed home in the closing stages of the first half at Easter Road to spark David Gray's side's comeback, and lift them off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

The former Newcastle and Crystal Palace striker believes the last couple of weeks have shown that Hibs have what it takes to avoid a relegation battle.

"It's difficult to win a game of football when things are the way they are at the bottom of the table," he said.

"We have great character in there and we have been waiting for the opportunity to turn things around. The last two weeks have been a lot better.

"We have played a lot better this season and haven't got the three points but that was the most important thing today. Conceding early wasn't in our plans but we reacted to it and obviously got the result in the end."

Watch Sportscene analysis of Hibs' first goal during their 3-1 win against Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.

Watch Sportscene analysis of Hibs' two penalties in their 3-1 win against Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your thoughts on Hibs' 3-1 win against Ross County.

Here's what you had to say:

Matt: We were terrible for 40 and pretty good for 50, which summarises the 'Jekyll and Hyde' nature of this Hibs team this season. A deserved and very big three points at the end of the day which rightfully lifts us off the foot of the table.

Stephen: Well done a good result, we need to kick on from this, but we must be on it from the kick-off. A better team would have put the game out of sight in the first half. Keep it up Hibs.

Kenny: This was a must win game and it wasn't pretty at times but we got the result. There are still some players not working hard enough when we don't have the ball. We need to get points now in the next two games and hopefully we can strengthen the team in January. Pleased for David Gray.

Craig: A much-needed win but the scoreline flattered us massively. Too many times we were robbed of possession, too slow to play the pass and too greedy on the ball. That being said, it's just great to get those three points on the board and I pray that the team take comfort in not being bottom and continue to push on. Now is the time to string some wins together!

Andy: First 20 minutes were concerning, it's easy to turn up to Celtic Park with the pressure off but at home against Ross County, the pressure was on. Dwight Gayle used all his experience putting his body in the right position, he could prove a very good signing. We're in a relegation battle, so a great three points.

Allan: Terrible game of football for both sets of fans but we've played better and not taken any points so it's a welcomed three points! The goal before half-time was needed and allowed us to kick on. Substitutions made an impact on the game for the right reasons. Ugly win but I'll take that for the points and moving up the table. Onwards and upwards now.

Jordan: Very shaky start from Hibs but grew into the game and were comfortably the better side for the majority of the match. Elie Youan in particular looked much improved from recent weeks and took his penalty well under pressure. Still managed to make it difficult for ourselves before getting the third to wrap things up but a much needed three points!

John: Lack of courage and belief contributed to a bad start. Fortunate to be level at half time but in the second 45, Hibs played much better and deserved the win. Time wasting by VAR and an incompetent referee spoiled the match for spectators.

Martin: Bit cagey at times and sometimes you have to win ugly. Three points are three points. The effort and camaraderie is the there to see. Look forward to what we add in January!

George: Got the win, but one to forget. Looked like nerves got the better of us, which is a shame given our last three performances. But, we turned it around second half, after a cheeky equaliser from two old pros, which is what we needed. Back to the drawing board again for Sir David in preparation for Pittodrie. At least Aberdeen won't know which Hibs they are playing!

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• Ross County have lost their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer losing streak was from 3rd February 2024 to 17th February 2024, a run of four games.

• Hibernian have won after conceding the opening goal in the Premiership for the first time since 24th May 2023 against Celtic (25 games without a win).

• Ross County have lost 10 points from winning positions in the Premiership this season, only Hibernian (16) have lost more.

• Elie Youan has now assisted three goals in eight appearances in the Premiership against Ross County.

Ross County manager Don Cowie questions the amount of first-half stoppage time time in his side's 3-1 Saturday defeat by Hibernian, during which Hibs scored. (Record), external

Hibernian's "character was definitely tested" against County, says head coach David Gray. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

Elie Youan's second-half penalty put the hosts in front, just minutes after teammate Nicky Cadden had missed from the spot.

The sides had gone into half-time level after Dwight Gayle's flicked header cancelled out Eli Campbell's close-range opener.

As the visitors pushed for an equaliser of their own late on, Youan nudged Ross County defender James Brown off the ball before selflessly playing in Josh Campbell. The Hibs midfielder slotted home a first-time finish to make sure of victory.

Hibs fans, were you at Easter Road or following along from home? Either way, we want your thoughts.

Have your say on the game., external

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Off the back of a bright, but ultimately frustrating display at Celtic Park last weekend, Gray called on his players to start quickly back in front of their own fans.

However, they were sloppy from the outset and went behind inside three minutes to Eli Campbell's headed effort.

As the first half progressed, the home side did push up the park and found themselves in decent attacking positions, but were let down by a lack of quality in the final third.

Dwight Gayle brought them level in first-half added time though, a timely boost that likely spared boos from the sparse home crowd.

The lack of composure in front of goal continued after the break, with Elie Youan wildly slicing a shot from 12 yards before Joe Newell fired well over the bar.

The game then burst into life on 69 minutes when County defender George Harmon hauled Gayle to ground inside the box. A penalty was awarded by referee Lloyd Wilson after a lengthy VAR check, but Nicky Cadden was denied by the legs of Jack Hamilton in goal.

Youan made no such mistake shortly after though, blasting his spot-kick in off the post after Campbell's shirt was pulled by Ryan Leak.

The French forward then turned provider for Campbell to wrap up Hibs' third league win of the season and haul themselves up the table.

In a match of low quality, Hibs found a way to win, which is something they have struggled to do this term. It's a quality that will provide hope to Gray before they travel to Pittodrie next weekend.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "I'm delighted with the win. That's the most important thing. Would I have liked us to play better? 100%. We've played better this year and not picked up points.

"Credit to Ross County. They started the game far better than we did. Once we settled down a bit, I thought we came into the game.

"The goal just before half-time was huge for us. It makes the team talk slightly different and the players reacted really well to that.

"We started the second half on the front foot, we created numerous chances - still lacked a bit of quality - but managed to get ourselves in front.

"That's three penalties we've missed this season. Elie steps up and says he wants to take [the second one], which shows courage. From that moment, we had to defend a lot, but did it well.

"To then score on the break came at an important time. The character's definitely been questioned, and the result was the most important thing today. It definitely looks much better with three points on the board.

"If we don't kick on from here, it can go in the other direction. The next four games will be difficult, but it's teams round about us. Hopefully this is a turning point in the season."

Hibernian midfielder Nectar Triantis, 21, explains he and his team-mates "like the pressure" that comes with playing for the Easter Road club. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Hibs striker Mykola Kuharevich will miss out with a groin strain while Marvin Ekpiteta (thigh) and Kieron Bowie (hamstring) remain longer-term absentees.

Ross County loanees Kacper Lopata and Aidan Denholm have returned to training and will be assessed.

Ricki Lamie is also back in training as is Max Sheaf but Will Nightingale (knee) is behind them in his quest for fitness and may not return to full training until the end of the month.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Hibs boss David Gray is urging his side to show a killer instinct against Ross County and move off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

The Easter Road club are three points behind County in eighth but would go above them with victory.

Gray knows that in order to get a victory in Leith, his players will have to be better in front of goal.

Having netted 18 times in 16 games - from an xG of 22.7 - Hibs are the joint third lowest scorers in the league this season and passed up gilt-edged chances in defeat at Celtic last weekend.

"It's not just the strikers, we've had players missing big chances and it's definitely the area that's let us down," Gray said.

"We know we need to be more clinical and that has to change quickly.

"We're bottom of the league but if we beat County we go up to eighth, it just shows how tight the league is.

"We know they're three points above us and we can't let them go any further ahead.

"When you play for this club the expectation doesn't go away. This is a game where we can't look at anything other than that we're expected to win."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Hibs boss David Gray has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to host Ross County this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• Gray stresses Hibs' full focus is on beating County to move off the bottom: "That's been the key message all week, all we can control is that one game and the incentive is if we win we'll go above them and that has to be the full focus."

• He warns Hibs mustn't let County, who are three points above in eighth, edge any further ahead.

• Gray knows how good playing at Easter Road can be if the fans get behind the team but insists it's up to the players to "put on the performance levels" that pleases the fans.

• He is aware County will be doing everything they can to "quieten the crowd" so his side must "start with intensity" to "get fans off their seats".

• On Mykola Kuharevich, the Hibs manager says the striker has picked up a groin injury and will be struggling to make Saturday's but the injury isn't as bad as it could have been.

• On Kuharevich's missed chances in defeat at Celtic last weekend, Gray stresses the importance of the striker making good runs and putting himself in the right positions.

• But the Hibs boss knows that up front is "definitely an area that lets us down" and insists his side "have to be more clinical".

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• Only Celtic (307) and Rangers (268) have had more shots in the Premiership this season than Hibs (216), with David Gray's side also third behind the Old Firm for expected goals (22.7). Despite this, only two teams – Kilmarnock (17) and Ross County (12) – have scored fewer goals than the Edinburgh side (18).

• Hibs have only lost one of their last five home league games against Ross County (W3 D1), going down 2-0 in November 2022 under Lee Johnson.

• Ross County are unbeaten in three league meetings with Hibs (W1 D2); only in their first four top-flight games against the Easter Road side from October 2012 to August 2013 have the Staggies ever avoided defeat in four successive encounters against them in the top tier.

• Hibs are winless in five home league games (D3 L2), but haven't gone six without a home win in the Scottish Premiership since February-May 2014 under Terry Butcher, when they were relegated.

• Ross County have lost their last two league games by an aggregate score of 8-0 (5-0 v Celtic, 3-0 v Rangers). The Staggies last lost three successive Scottish Premiership matches in February last season (4 in a row), and last did so without scoring in December 2020 (5 in a row).