Ofir Marciano has credited Hearts for making life too difficult for Hibs during the latest Edinburgh Derby.
The Jambos recorded a 3-1 win over their rivals at Easter Road in the Premiership, which was their second victory there this season after the 2-1 victory back in September.
The result temporarily lifted Daniel Stendel’s men off the foot of the Premiership, but Hamilton’s shock victory over Rangers has seen them slip back down.
Stendel’s men were deserved winners at Easter Road (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
It was a superb performance from Hearts, the kind that has had people wondering why they’re in the position they’re in.
Speaking about the derby defeat, Marciano acknowledged Hearts’ superiority.
He said (Hibs TV): “It’s a big, big disappointment. This was a tough night. It’s a derby – it’s different.
“But I think we’re in a good place at the moment, obviously it was a bad result for us but we should take the good things from it and keep going because we have big targets ahead of us.
Marciano gave credit where it was due after Hearts defeat (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
“I think the gaffer said if we needed extra motivation for the semi [Scottish Cup vs Hibs in April], we got it here.
“I think we struggled to play our usual game, the conditions – to be fair, they did well. They pressed up high and made it hard for us.
“We couldn’t find the solutions during the game and we couldn’t manage the game well and that hurt us.”
Hibs must bounce back
It was a poor performance from Hibs and one that few expected given their good goalscoring form recently.
Ross must get his side back on track against Aberdeen (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Hearts have the joint-second worst defensive record in the division and they should have been there for the taking without star centre-half John Souttar.
It is paramount that Jack Ross’ side get back into the groove against Aberdeen at Pittodrie this weekend, with third-placed Motherwell having beaten Ross County 4-1.