Murphy arrival, midfield woes, defensive plaudits - Three talking points from Hibs 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen

Murphy arrival

The arrival of Jamie Murphy may be the missing link in the Hibs attack. While it appears that the winger has been signed to replace the outgoing Daryl Horgan, he can also operate as a centre-forward if required and he came relatively close to a late equaliser against Aberdeen when his shot from just inside the box was charged down by a Dons defender.

His loan spell at Burton Albion in the second half of last season produced seven goals and two assists in just 12 appearances and while he did look understandably short of match fitness during his second-half showing, if he can recapture that sort of form for Hibs then it will have been a very shrewd bit of business by the club – especially given that Murphy will join on a permanent deal next summer.

If the on-loan Rangers attacker can provide goals and assists, it will take some of the pressure off Martin Boyle, who has perhaps struggled to replicate his explosive start to the league campaign, as well as providing ammunition for Christian Doidge and Kevin Nisbet, once the latter returns from injury.

On top of that, Hibs will have obtained another versatile attacker who will revel in the chance to be playing every week. It seems like a win-win situation for club and player so far – all that needs to happen now is for the former Motherwell man to deliver the goods.

Midfield woes

It’s been said before, but Hibs are really lacking a John McGinn-type player in midfield; someone to pick up the ball and make a beeline for the goal.

The current crop of midfielders are all effective players but there is definitely a Meatball-shaped hole in the middle of the park.

McGinn was particularly adept at collecting the ball deep inside his own half and driving forwards, putting pressure on the opposition and creating options – having a shot himself, spraying the ball out to a player on either flank, or playing it short to a forward.

It was particularly telling that Hibs ended the match with three wingers on the pitch but lacked any creativity or incision in the final third.

The good news for Hibs fans is that Jack Ross is only too aware of the issue and looks set to address it before the transfer window closes in early October.

Defensive plaudits

This time last year, the ever-changing Hibs rearguard was already coming under severe criticism for its porousness and lack of cohesion.

Hibs have been able to keep a settled backline in all six matches so far this season and are reaping the rewards. The team is still to concede from open play with just three goals – two of them penalties – in the goals against column.

Even going forward the defence is performing well – Josh Doig brought out the best in Joe Lewis with a thunderous effort from 25 yards in the first half, and Paul McGinn fashioned a gilt-edged chance in the second half for Drey Wright with which the winger should have done better.

The presence of experienced defensive trio David Gray, Darren McGregor, and Lewis Stevenson on the bench each week means that in the event of injuries or suspensions, the replacements should be able to slot in quite comfortably.

The defence was arguably one of Hibs’ weak spots last year and the improvements are clear to see – if the coaching staff can perform similar surgery on the midfield and Jamie Murphy brings an extra dimension to the attack, then the team could go into October looking very strong across the park.