It was an Edinburgh derby bow to forget for Steven Naismith as Hearts' hopes of third took another huge dent.
The Jambos arrived at Easter Road knowing that Aberdeen had picked up a sixth win on the bounce and opened up a five point gap on them in the race for best of the rest after victory over Ross County in Dingwall. It's been all change in the capital this week with Robbie Neilson sacked and Steven Naismith installed as interim manager until the summer.
However, the new manager bounce wasn't effective as Kevin Nisbet claimed a huge three points for Hibs in front of a jubilant packed out Easter Road. It brings an end to the Hibees' own poor run of form while makes it FIVE league defeats in a row for the men from Gorgie. Both sides are likely to meet again in the top six shake up and it could prove to be a real important clash with European football at stake, but for now Hibs will enjoy this one and they keep their destiny in their own hands. Here's three things we learned.
READ MORE: Lee Johnson in Celtic and Rangers 'Brucie bonus' assessment as he reveals Robbie Neilson chat plan
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Derby bow
It was a first taste of the Edinburgh derby as a manager for Steven Naismith and not one to remember.
The former Hearts, Rangers and Scotland striker was handed the top job at Tynecastle on an interim basis until the summer following the decision to sack Robbie Neilson.
That big call came due to a poor run of results with the primary target to finish best of the rest.
Aberdeen are in red-hot form but the Jambos' poor run of results sees them now five points adrift.
Battle for third
The battle for third looks like it could slip away from the grasp of Hearts.
Aberdeen picked up a sixth win on the bounce under Barry Robson away at Ross County on Friday night and are looking a real unit.
In those six wins they've only conceded one goal with Rangers visiting Pittodrie next week.
In contrast it is FIVE defeats in the league in a row for the Jambos.
A terrible time to hit a bad run and they will need to rectify that as soon as possible.. Just two points separate Hibs in sixth and Hearts in fourth.
Injury blow
Michael Smith's afternoon lasted just over three minutes.
The veteran Hearts defender superbly intercepted a Hibs attacking move but quickly clutched his leg and went down.
It was a blow for both Steven Naismith and the full-back so early on at Easter Road.
Nathaniel Atkinson emerged from the bench a lot earlier than he would have expected.
The fans will be hoping it is nothing too serious.
READ NEXT:
- Lee Johnson in Celtic and Rangers 'Brucie bonus' assessment as he reveals Robbie Neilson chat plan
- Robbie Neilson 'knee-jerk' Hearts sacking claims rejected as club chief reveals reason for axe
- Lee Johnson slams 'naive' Hibs as Dundee United defeat has boss talking 'cup final' Hearts derby
