Stendel defends trip as Boyle bags brace
Hearts 0 Hibernian 2 Visitors heap pressure on Gorgie men in routine win
HIBERNIAN rubbed salt into their bitter city rival’s gaping wounds by the bucketload, a Martin Boyle brace handing them a straightforward derby triumph and adding to the feeling of anxiety at Hearts.
Hibs ruthlessly exposed the frailties in Daniel Stendel’s team, who are still searching for a win after four games.
Boyle’s first inside six minutes was brilliant yet ridiculously simple, dispatching Scott Allan’s speculative ball into the area with minimum fuss.
The high defensive line favoured by Stendel played straight into Hibs’ hands for the second in the 31st minute, Boyle breaking from Allan’s tackle on a dithering Loic Damour before planting a shot past Joel Pereira.
Hearts remain at the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership and the 13 points now separating these teams tells the tale of their campaigns.
The result also raises questions about Stendel’s decision to return to Germany for personal reasons before this game and give the squad Christmas Day.
“I cannot and would not explain [the reason for going back to Germany], it was long [agreed] before I signed here,” said the former Hoffenheim manager. “I want to help and I’m sure I can help this club and [owner] Ann Budge.
“I know it’s a difficult situation but when you see the game it was not the reason we did not win.”
Asked about giving the squad time off, he replied: “You think it’s the reason we didn’t win today? I think no.
“In the end when you win you can say anything and it’s all right, when you lose it’s all bad.
“I take the responsibility for the decisions and I take the responsibility for the game but some things I cannot change.”
Allan hooked a ball from the touchline over his shoulder just six minutes into the game and Australia international Boyle stole a yard on Christophe Berra before placing a measured volley past the static on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper.
Hearts picked themselves up and immediately set about trying to level.
But there is a reason they’ve now only scored one goal from the four games Stendel has now overseen.
No such problems for Hibs. Allan poked the ball off the feet of the Damour in midfield, Boyle raced clear of the rearguard and expertly finished beyond Pereira.
The sheer volume of Hearts fans leaving their seats suggested they were heading for the exits rather than the pie stand.
The hosts dominated possession after the break but lacked poise in the final third.
Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano got down well to Ryo Meshino’s drive before Uche Ikpeazu shot wide from a promising position.
Substitute Euan Henderson was then played in by Sean Clare but he twice had efforts repelled by the Israeli in quick succession.
“It’s a happy changing room,” beamed Hibs manager Jack Ross.
“I think these types of fixtures are all about winning, so naturally we are pleased.”
Ross, naturally, singled out the match winner for praise.
“He’s been really good since I came into the job,” he added.
“People talk about him being quick and offering that threat, which he does, but he’s also a good footballer and he’s a terrific finisher.”