Del can’t bear to look
Derek McInnes couldn’t believe his eyes at Easter Road. Just three days after his Aberdeen side fought back from two down to draw with Rangers, they lost 3-0 to Hibernian. The Hibees’ goals (from top left) came from a Martin Boyle double and Florian Kamberi.
Derek McInnes last night admitted Aberdeen were punished for throwing caution to the wind in pursuit of victory at Hibs.
The Dons had the better of the first half at Easter Road but fell behind soon after the interval.
In the aftermath, they pushed forward, only to be picked off twice on the break.
For McInnes, that was his side’s big mistake.
“From the start we were very good in the game – nice and compact,” said McInnes.
“The game was very stretched out. When you come up against a diamond, it becomes a game of basketball – they have a chance, you have a chance, and it was a bit like that.
“Hibs have been a bit anxious at home of late and if we got that first goal, it would have had a major bearing on the game.
“We allow too much space for the pass to be made for their first goal but the pass shouldn’t be on.
“We’re guilty of allowing that space for Boyle to run in to and he’s punished us emphatically.
“We then become the team that has all the possession and Hibs become the counterattacking team. They punish us.
“We’re possibly guilty of going for it too early.
“You could see us going to a 3-4-1-2 tied down their full-backs. We were a body light in the middle of the park as a consequence but we were still getting into good areas.
“But they were more clinical with their opportunities.”
Meanwhile, Hibs boss Jack Ross hailed Martin Boyle for inspiring his team to a deserved victory.
“Martin is also a good player,” said Ross, having been asked about the value of Boyle’s pace.
“You don’t know how good they are until you work first hand with them and he’s a good player. He is quick but he is a good footballer and helped us.
“He’s a terrific character and he’s got a real desire to do well in games, he trains brilliantly.
“He is a good all-round footballer as well as being quick, which is what people always look at.
“I am lucky with the group of players I’ve inherited. The way they go about their business day-to-day is really good and I’ve enjoyed working with them.
“I’ve been pleased with the performance levels, even the last two games we didn’t win, and we just continued that against a really good side.
“To win full stop, never mind in that manner, was really pleasing.
“We’re very much a front foot team but it’s just getting the balance right and we were better today.”