Hibs saw the same old shortcomings shoot them in the foot in yesterday’s Edinburgh derby draw with Hearts.
The Hibees were one goal to the good but could have been further in front with striker Dwight Gayle the most guilty of missing chances – passing up three really good opportunities to score.
And then, as has been in the case in other weeks, after not taking chances of their own they allowed the opposition in at the other end with sloppy defending.
17-year-old Hearts striker James Wilson showed predatory instincts at the back post but it was a poor goal for the home side to lose.
Hibs manager David Gray was exasperated post-match and bemoaned two players for not doing their jobs defensively.
Hibs defender Lewis Miller criticised
While Gray didn’t name any names, Lewis Miller was the right-back at the far post who allowed Wilson to get the run on the inside of him and get to the ball first.
The Australia international has had criticism before for letting his concentration slip or not defending properly at the back post, which was the case again here.
Michael Stewart has been vocal about their defensive problems and analysed it again, singling out Miller as a particular concern.
The former Hibees midfielder has slammed his defensive attributes and insists he should be dropped.
“Hearts take advantage but it’s a recurring thing with Hibs,” he told BBC Sportscene.
“You can talk about turning it around quickly. I don’t see how you can turn it round quickly with the personnel he’s got. Dave is standing there saying he’s having to say the same things again.
“They’ve got a defence that concede far too many goals, they gift up too many opportunities. They’ve got guys in the team they can’t rely on.
“They need to either get those guys out the team and play somebody else or if there isn’t somebody else then you need to go out and recruit them. But unfortunately for Hibs they need to wait until January.
“Even, for example, Lewis Miller at right-back. He can’t defend. He gives up too many opportunities. He’s a liability, he can’t defend.
“The two centre-backs – not strong enough. The goalkeeper is not strong enough either.”
Two Hibs men who are ‘better’ options than Miller
Stewart feels there are actually two members of the Easter Road squad who are better options in that position – one of whom they have sent out on loan.
Kanayo Megwa was shipped back out to the Championship with Partick Thistle after impressing for Airdrie and also being given a chance in the Hibs first team.
While Chris Cadden, 28, is a more experienced option but has been struggling with niggling injuries.
Stewart would have both in ahead of Miller.
He added: “Cadden, I’d be playing him at right-back. Obviously he’s picked up another injury. Megwa they sent out on loan. These are two guys in the Hibs squad that are better than Lewis Miller, as far as I’m concerned.”