Sunday, December 22, 2024

Numbers behind Hibs’ shaky start

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Four games, two draws, two defeats.

David Gray’s start to life as a permanent Scottish Premiership head coach has been far from plain-sailing.

Time and patience was asked for, though both are already wearing thin when their League Cup campaign is factored in. Not through their eventual exit to Celtic, but their group-stage performance, especially the defeat to Kelty Hearts.

There have been signs Hibs are turning a corner under the club legend, but what do the underlying numbers say as he attempts to avoid becoming the next victim of Hibs’ managerial merry-go-round?

Well, they say Hibs are not creating nearly enough.

With three big chances created and three goals scored, they have taken opportunities well, but three is the fewest big chances created by any side in the top flight.

A total of 41 shots is only better than Kilmarnock and Ross County’s 40, and their nine on target is the joint-fewest with Derek McInnes’ side.

The build-up play hasn’t been there either. Hibs have successfully pulled off just three sequences of 10 or more passes. Again, a league low.

The woes up top are not being alleviated at the back, either. The eight goals conceded is the second-highest tally, with seven coming from open play.

Hibs return to action against St Johnstone before travelling to take on Rangers. Some of the above numbers will need to improve if results are to turn around under Gray.

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