Hibs instant analysis: Gray off the mark as subs make an impact

Goals in either half from Mykola Kukharevych and Martin Boyle were enough to see off the visitors and earn David Gray a maiden league win as head coach. He reintroduced the returning Elie Youan to his starting XI, as well as dropping Martin Boyle to bring in Nicky Cadden. 

A dull opening 45 minutes looked set to finish goalless until Kukharevych reacted quickest to bundle home in the six-yard box following a setpiece. The goal relaxed Hibs somewhat, and it was an improved display after the interval, with Boyle's goal off the bench a deserved clincher, as well as removing the potential for a nervy finish. As time wound down, Saints had striker Benjamin Kimpioka sent off for a lunge on Jordan Obita at the corner flag.

Here's our instant analysis from Leith...

Off the mark

It's rarely a classic between these two sides and this encounter was no different. But having gone into the first international break of the season without a Premiership win, this was all about Hibs getting three points on the board. Gray's side weren't sparkling, but they deserved their victory, and can now consider their league campaign up and running. It's a new-look side and will take time to gel, but Hibs realistically couldn't go much longer without a win to keep expectant supporters onside. Failure to beat a very uninspiring Saints side would have set alarm bells ringing, but Hibs did what was required to put a stuffy opponent away. With no fixture no week and then a trip to Ibrox, establishing the beginnings of some momentum was so important. Just as satisfying for Gray, though, will be a first Premiership clean sheet. Soft, preventable goals had been a theme of the first few matches, but Hibs do now look more defensively solid. The addition of Nectar Triantis and Kwon Hyeok-kyu in front of the back four has made a noticeable difference, while centre-back pairing Marvin Ekpiteta and Warren O'Hora had solid outings.

Searching for a spark

The first 45 here bordered on being a non-event, such was the lack of goalmouth action prior to Kukharevych bundling home the opener after Marvin Ekpiteta headed Nicky Cadden's free-kick back across the box. Hibs were largely in control of the ball, and rarely under threat, but it was all a bit flat, the tension that inevitably comes with not winning any of the first four making it hard for Gray's side to release the handbrake. Rudi Molotnikov moved into his preferred number 10 role in the absence of Joe Newell, providing the odd moment of creativity. The teenager frequently made good runs and picked up little pockets of space without being found by his team-mates, though. The result was an awful lot of Hibs possession in front of St Johnstone and not much else. Passes went astray, touches were slack, and a familiar anxiety began to set in around Easter Road as the half wore on with few opportunities of note. The second period, however, was better. Not perfect, and not where Gray would want it to be, but better. Boyle's goal to clinch the points was brilliantly worked and expertly finished, the winger racing out to in on the right hand side and dinking over Ross Sinclair. Something to build on.

Subs affect the game

Gray took some criticism for his substitutions in the 2-2 draw with Dundee, some of it a tad harsh, but his changes positively affected the outcome here. The head coach started the returning Elie Youan from the outset, but the Frenchman looked understandably short of match sharpness, and not much came off for him in a 45 minute outing. Replaced by debutant Junior Hoilett at the break, the 34-year-old brought some composure and quality in the final third, drifting around into pockets and picking intelligent passes. There's a calmness about Hoilett that Hibs, a little frantic in attacking areas at times, will certainly benefit from. Gray's other impactful change was introducing Boyle as Saints began to tire, and the winger's pace was too much for the visitors to handle at the second goal. He could have little complaint at being left out after a middling start to the season, but it could just be to his benefit if this second-half showing is any indication. Both Hoilett and Boyle's impacts were an example of Gray using his options, and those options making a telling impact.