Hibs-Hearts reaction: The statement, Sunshine on Leith verdict and 'magnificent' visitor

The hosts survived a late comeback from the visitors and were reliant on two fine stops from goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger in time added on to preserve all three points.

Such an ending was not on the cards 48 minutes in, when Keiron Bowie put Hibs 3-0 up with an unerring finish into the corner. Hibs passed up chances to go four goals ahead.

Lawrence Shankland gave Hearts hope with 15 minutes left and when Cammy Devlin cut the deficit further with a minute of normal time left, and another six minutes confirmed soon afterwards, Hibs were in full on “wobble” territory. This was the very word used by Hearts manager Derek McInnes but the Easter Road side survived to secure a probably deserved victory and set themselves up well for the second half of the season.

It’s been a so-so first half of the campaign for Hibs. Fans have been frustrated by a drop-off in performances following some impressive European exertions early on.

“I think, with the greatest respect, I'm only concentrating on us,” said Gray, when asked if the hype surrounding Hearts had put any extra pressure on Hibs, whose season was proving slightly underwhelming by comparison. “I asked the players and they've mentioned a lot this season that what's eluded us, probably, is that statement win, because when you think of the games we've played, like obviously going to Celtic Park and getting a point and then other games against them and Rangers and big games, we’ve played well but not really got the result required.

“A lot of that's to do with the expectation that's risen off the back of last season and how well we started this season in Europe and the performances that we're capable of putting in. It's never been a lack of effort. There’s an element of not always getting what you deserve from the performance.

“I thought today we certainly got there in the end. This is the halfway point in the season and 19 games now. So we need to then use this as a big opportunity, with all the positive of today, and kick on.”

Hibs’ anthem gets an airing

Hibs were treated to a rendition of Sunshine on Leith, the fans’ song that is reserved for special wins, at the end. It’s the first time it’s been played this season.

“Some of the players, that's the first time they've heard it,” noted Gray. “For other players, they're not used to hearing it but we heard it a few times last season. What I truly love about the song is you need to earn it. It doesn't just come after a home win. It comes after big fixtures where you put everything into it and then it's an added bonus at the end. That's what makes it special.”

McInnes could not hide his disappointment. He stressed Hearts had given themselves an almost impossible job to salvage something by switching off at crucial moments, particularly before and after half time when Hibs went 2-0 and then 3-0 ahead. They are left knowing they now have to get back on track against Livingston at home next Saturday.

Celtic could have taken over pole position if they win by a five goals against Motherwell on Tuesday night.

“We don't do the basics well enough today,” lamented McInnes. “It's as simple as that. You can look at team selection, you can look at all the rest of it, but we don't stop a switch of play, we don't stop a cross and we don't match a run."

The manager made two changes at half time - Beni Baningime replaced Oisin McEntee and Harry Milne came on for Stephen Kingsley - as Hearts switched from four to a back three. However, they quickly found themselves three goals down when Bowie scored just three minutes after the interval after Josh Mulligan charged down a clearance.

“We put ourselves in such a sticky situation by losing the third goal,” said McInnes. “We lose our wherewithal for about five minutes after that. Our body language wasn't great at that point because we're not used to it. We’re not used to losing such cheap goals. Then, I thought, you've really seen the strength of the team, the character of the team. (Beni) Baningime was a big player for us. I thought (Craig) Halkett was magnificent despite losing three goals.

"Shankland gets a goal and from there on in, you just saw Hibs having a wee wobble," he added. "We grow a wee bit, we get the next one and then it was all about can we get that moment? And the 'keeper pulls off a brilliant save, I think with his feet, to stop us getting the equaliser. (But) You cannae expect to play for half an hour."