Hibs instant analysis as Nick Montgomery's side held by Dundee

The Easter Road side dominated possession and territory for long spells, but were unable to break the resistance of their Tayside visitors. There were chances created at both ends, with Martin Boyle going close at the death for the Hibees.

But they were ultimately forced to settle for a disappointing draw ahead of next week's Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle. Patrick McPartlin and Liam Bryce provide the instant analysis from Leith.

Stalemate prevails

This wasn’t Hibs’ finest day at the office, but they still created enough to take three points from it. Up against a back five similar to that deployed by St Mirren, Dundee worked exceptionally hard to deny the home side’s front four space to operate freely. It was especially effective in the first period, with Hibs’ best openings coming from setpieces. Paul Hanlon headed over at the back post from a deep delivery, and earlier a good, old-fashioned stramash in the Dundee box somehow ended with the ball dropping into the grateful grasp of Trevor Carson. Hibs exerted more sustained pressure for much of the second-half, working their way into their opponents’ box on several occasions. But a combination of misfortune, bad decision-making and dark blue shirts throwing themselves in front of the ball left Montgomery’s team frustrated. Dundee seemed to have bodies in the right places at all times when danger arose, and for that you have to credit good defending. The manager attempted to change things from the bench, throwing on Christian Doidge for Dylan Vente and Jair Tavares for Adam Le Fondre, with Martin Boyle eventually finishing the match as a central striker. Hibs’ best chance of the closing stages fell to Boyle, scuffing an Elie Youan cutback badly wide.

Liam Bryce

Front four frustrated and fail to fire

Much has been made of the fluidity and firepower in the Hibs front four - or five, if you include whichever centre-forward starts on the bench - but they were frustrated against the Dark Blues. A total of 23 shots on goal with nine on target and two blocked tells its own story about how much the hosts dominated, but to have that number of chances as well as 14 corners and still draw a blank is, in one game, perhaps not cause for concern. But you imagine Montgomery would have liked a convincing win ahead of the Edinburgh derby. Still, it gives him a focal point in training this week. 

Patrick McPartlin

A chance missed

With a first Edinburgh derby of the season now moving onto next weekend’s horizon, this was a real opportunity for Hibs to supercharge the momentum which had already been building from a positive few weeks. At home to a newly promoted side, albeit a well-organised one, are exactly the type of fixtures Hibs must turn into routine victories if they are to be serios contenders for third place this season. Montgomery’s side weren’t terrible by any means, but they did lack a ruthless streak that would likely have comfortably put this game to bed. The positives are that the new manager remains unbeaten heading into Tynecastle, and this has still been a largely satisfying week for his team. But you can bet he and his players will head home this evening with that gnawing feeling that this was an opportunity they passed up.

Liam Bryce

Under-appreciated Jeggo

Since Nick Montgomery's arrival, much has been made of the improvement in the team in general. And as a result, not enough has been made of Jimmy Jeggo's importance to this team. The Australian midfielder was perhaps a little under-appreciated in the second half of last season but results suggested his presence gave Hibs a bit more steel  in the middle of the park. But he was one of the first in line for criticism earlier this campaign when results were not going Hibs' way, with his passing called into question. But Jeggo is the archetypal spoiler, and while he impressed in the 2-0 victory at Pittodrie just before Montgomery's appointment he has been a key player for the former Central Coast Mariners manager - perhaps because Montgomery fulfilled a similar role during his playing career. Whatever the reason, Jeggo's work in the engine room has been impressive in its own right but it has also freed up Joe Newell as well.

Patrick McPartlin

Still questions about the defence 

Montgomery brought Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson back into the defence with Rocky Bushiri and Jordan Obita dropping to the bench - hardly a surprise given the manager's rotational approach this week with three games in seven days. But no matter the personnel in the defence there are still times when everything seems to be a little bit sixes and sevens. It happened against St Mirren and there were instances against St Johnstone and Kilmarnock as well. It's hard to put a finger on what exactly the issue is. Clearly if the wee heart-in-mouth moments don't result in goals then broadly speaking, no harm done, but it is a problem that has persisted for some time and doesn't look like going away any time soon. And against certain teams, the mistakes will be punished. 

Patrick McPartlin