David Gray praised his side for seizing control in the second half of their 2-1 victory over Hearts after he became the first Hibernian manager to win back-to-back Edinburgh derbies in the league since Mixu Paatelainen in 2009.
Hibs extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches and strengthened their hopes of finishing third in the William Hill Premiership when centre-back Jack Iredale popped up with a stunning 74th-minute winner.
Martin Boyle had given the home side a sixth-minute lead but it was swiftly cancelled out by Jambos midfielder Jorge Grant.
Gray – named Premiership manager of the month for February ahead of kick-off – said: “When you think back to the week we’ve had, three real tough games, to beat Celtic here, to go up to Dundee United and win and then to finish that off by beating your local rivals at home, I’m delighted.
“First half we looked a wee bit nervy, turned the ball over too much, second half we were much more like ourselves. We really deserved the game based on our second-half performance and we saw the game out really well.”
Hibernian enjoyed a rousing rendition of Sunshine on Leith for the first time this season after last weekend’s victory over Celtic and they were able to experience that thrill once more – this time with coach Eddie May, who was recently involved in a car accident – after backing up their Boxing Day triumph over Hearts at Tynecastle.
It was the first time they had won back-to-back derbies since 2017, when they won in the Scottish Cup and then the league under Neil Lennon, and the first time they had achieved the feat in the league alone since 2009.
“I think we’re building something here all the time,” said Gray. “Yes, it was a derby against your local rivals, but there’s loads of records that we’ve set and broken today.
“Back-to-back for the first time in 16 years in a league game or something like that. And also it’s one defeat in 18 (in all competitions since late November).
“I’ve touched on it a lot with the players about can we keep moving forward and can we keep changing history in a real positive way? Before we played Hearts at Tynecastle it was five years since we won at Tynecastle, so that tells you – history tells you – these are difficult games to come out on top.
“And before today, the last team to win at Easter Road in a derby was Hearts, so we needed to make sure we corrected that. Loads of little incentives to try and drive the players on and we’re responding well to that at the minute, which is brilliant.
“To stand in the middle of the pitch (at full-time) and really feel that connection between the players, the staff and the supporters, that’s why we do it. And to get Eddie on the pitch at the end there, it was emotional at the same time because he’s been through a lot.”
Hearts failed to muster a notable chance in the second half as Hibs took control and Neil Critchley admitted his side, who are now back in the bottom six, got what they deserved.
“Look, it’s a bad defeat,” he said. “It’s a derby defeat so it’s not nice at all. The players have had enough praise in the last few months. Today we’ll get criticised and rightly so for the way we played in the second half. That was not us on the pitch.
“First half, we were the slightly better team. And then in the second half, I think we just lost belief in what we were doing a little bit, which is not like us.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.Bruno Fernandes Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool New Strikers this week It didn't take much to knock Bruno off his penalty stride 18 Year old - Lamine Yamal celebrated his GF - Nicki Nicole's 25th Birthday in style.. Thoughts Los Blancos have truly secured themselves not one, but TWO future Legends! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Cred...
Hojlund close to leaving Man UtdPer Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are in advanced talks with Rasmus Hojlund over a loan move to the Italian side. The loan deal will also include an obligation to buy next season. Both parties are now discussing the personal terms as the Serie A giants are pushing to complete the deal soon.Chelsea remain interested in Xavi SimonsPer Sky Sports' Florian Pletteberg, Xavi Si...
Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier LeagueJack Grealish says he "didn't enjoy football as much" towards the tail end of his time with Manchester City following his loan move to Everton.WHAT HAPPENED?Grealish bagged two assists in Everton's 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday in their first competitive game at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Following his full debut for the Toffees, the 29...
Yunus Musah landing spotsThe once-promising U.S. international midfielder needs a reset, and GOAL looks at the best options for the 22-year-old Once touted as a foundational piece of the U.S. men’s national team and ranked among the world’s top 60 prospects in 2019, Yunus Musah, now 22, finds himself fighting to reignite his career with the 2026 World Cup less than a year away.It has b...
Real Betis Balompie v Chelsea FC - UEFA Conference League Final 2025Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson as the Bundesliga champions look to bolster their attack with a new forward. Bayern are eyeing a loan move for the Senegalese forward and will now initiate transfer talks with the Blues. Jackson has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this ...
Manchester United v ACF Fiorentina - Pre-Season FriendlyKobbie Mainoo is reportedly open to leaving Manchester United this month after struggling for game time under Ruben Amorim.WHAT HAPPENED?According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Mainoo is "ready to leave United on loan this month" and he is yet to receive a new contract offer. The Red Devils are said to be open to a permanent exit but he still ...
Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao - Pre-Season FriendlyRoma will reportedly hold a 'crucial meeting' with Liverpool in a bid to sign Kostas Tsimikas amid interest from Marseille.WHAT HAPPENED?According to Football Italia, Roma and Liverpool representatives will meet on Monday to discuss a possible Tsimikas transfer. The Italian giants are said to be keen on a loan deal but Marseille are also keepin...
Tyler Dibling SouthamptonEverton have confirmed the signing of former Chelsea youth player Tyler Dibling from Southampton. The Toffees finally answered manager David Moyes' desperate plea for new signings as they secured the transfer for the 19-year-old winger. Everton started the new season with a defeat against Leeds United but bounced back strongly beating Brighton last weekend.WHAT HAPPENED?Di...
Arsenal begin talks with Bayer Leverkusen defender who has €60M clauseArsenal have begun talks with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie as they try to bring down his €60M release clause.Over the past few weeks North London rivals have been linked with Hincapie who is said to be greatly admired by Spurs boss Thomas Frank. The 23-year-old has allegedly informed his club that he will...
Chelsea defender Disasi in talks with Bournemouth after exposing bomb squad dressing roomChelsea centre-back Axel Disasi is in advanced talks with Bournemouth as the club clear out their bomb squad.Last Friday, Disasi took to Instagram and posted a string of pre-season snaps, captioning the upload “life”. The post revealed a rare glimpse inside the so-called bomb squad cramped dressing...
- 1 Ruben Amorim gives cryptic response when asked about Andre Onana returning to starting XI for Fulham clash after Altay Bayindir blunder handed Arsenal victory
- 2 'Victory Bodes Well for Future' – Gasperini Delighted with Roma’s Opening Day Win
- 3 TIPS - Eintracht Frankfurt VS Werder Bremen
- 4 Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal could turn to Lyon's Fofana
- 5 Antony’s Man United Exit Hopes Rest on Fresh Real Betis Bid Within 'Next 24 Hours'
- 6 TIPS - Cerezo Osaka VS Vissel Kobe
- 7 TIPS - Gamba Osaka VS Yokohama FC
- 8 TIPS - Schalke 04 VS VfL Bochum
- 9 TIPS - Sunderland A.F.C. VS Huddersfield Town A.F.C.
- 10 TIPS - Olympique de Marseille VS Paris FC