Hibernian 1 – 2 Motherwell: Positive result, still work to be done

A win in the capital kicked off Alfred’s domestic reign, though it was far from smooth sailing. Motherwell won 2-1, courtesy of goals from Lukas Fadinger and Ibrahim Said. Martin Boyle equalised and afterwards Hibs were on the ascendency, but a stunning counter-attack from the ‘Well smashed the Hibees hopes of stopping their poor form against Motherwell.

Match report

The first half was what modern hipsters would call a ‘tactical battle’. A lot of passes, a lot of moving, pretty much nothing happening otherwise. In fact, it took until Lukas Fadinger’s penalty on the 40th minute for the xG to rise meaningfully, with both sides failing to really test the other. My exact words at the time were ‘competent, not flashy’. I think looking at the xG timeline below, that viewpoint has been vindicated.

But, a decisive moment did come. Priestman and Said played a neat one-two with one another, which allowed Priestman to move swiftly into the Hibs box. Not particularly sure why, but Mulligan then saw fit to clatter Priestman. We’re not professional footballers, maybe Priestman’s movements were more deft than we’re giving credit for – but it did feel particularly naïve and panicked.