Hearts were 1-0 winners against Hibernian on Sunday in dramatic fashion, with Craig Halkett netting the winner three minutes into stoppage time. This victory launched Hearts to first place in the Scottish Premiership. For now, they’re sitting pretty with a five-point cushion over their closest competitor. The game was a winning statement about the resilience and determination of Derek McInnes’ side. They’ve secured a stoppage-time winner for the third time in only seven league games this campaign!
Tumultuous was how the match began at Easter Road, as both teams fought tooth and nail with urgency and drive. The match was a cacophony of chances, especially for Hibernian. Martin Boyle, one of Australia’s key players on the home front, was a player who had a disappointing afternoon. He came close to opening the deadlock in the 62nd minute. His shot hit the bottom of the crossbar and deflected back into play. Then just six minutes later, Boyle again scored a lovely goal, but it was chalked off for offside.
Hibernian’s chances did not end there. Then, in the 73rd minute, Boyle almost made it three, getting in behind on goal. A heavy touch allowed Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow to come in for an important intervention. Even with these squandered chances, Hibernian were dangerous all game long.
Hearts had periods where they looked dangerous. Jordan Obita saw a volley from the edge of the box deflected wide in the 20th minute, while Alexandros Kyziridis curled an effort just over from a similar range. Obita put in a key last-ditch defensive challenge to prevent Lawrence Shankland from scoring from close range. This play was a microcosm of his importance on both sides of the pitch.
As the game neared its dramatic end, it seemed like both sides were more than happy to take a point apiece. In the second of five added minutes, Craig Halkett was the hero for Hearts. When the equalizer came, Tschuma connected to a cross by substitute Sabah Kerjota with superhuman accuracy from six yards. Finally, with time running out, he directed a header home to give his side three precious points. Hearts’ first goal was their first win in five matches against local rivals, Hibernian, contributing to Heart’s increasing momentum this season.
Derek McInnes opted to keep faith with the same starting XI that had inspired wins over Rangers and Falkirk. This lineup has shown its strength during the past two games. It was a brilliant choice, as the group displayed defensive and attacking unity and spirit from the start of the match. Hibernian shook things up, though, as they made two changes to their starting XI. Chris Cadden and Josh Campbell entered for midfielders Miguel Chaiwa and Jamie McGrath.
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