Hibernian’s Form and the ‘Mental Block’ Challenge

The concept of “analytics” is currently a significant talking point in football, and Hibernian, in particular, presents a fitting subject for such analysis right now. Statistics can be viewed from multiple perspectives. For example, Hibs have gone unbeaten in their most recent three matches. Conversely, the team has failed to secure a win in its last six fixtures. Nevertheless, the concrete data reveals that the club has relinquished no fewer than 13 points in the final 15 minutes of games this season. While it is sometimes suggested that luck can be a factor, as may have been the case in the recent match against Dundee United, an undeniable nervousness is apparent within the team as games approach their concluding stages. Having secured only one victory in the Premiership this season, David Gray’s team is positioned at the bottom of the table following the first round of fixtures and will be keen to avoid entering another International break in last place. Hibs fans, along with Gray, anticipate better performances this season from the players. When outcomes are poor, players brought in during the summer will also come under significant scrutiny. It is generally acknowledged that the impact of these summer arrivals, particularly defenders Jack Iredale, Marvin Ekpiteta, and Warren O’Hora, and goalkeeper Josef Bursik, is still being evaluated. This weekend, St Mirren is scheduled to arrive at Easter Road. The Paisley side has managed to collect only one point from their five away trips this season. However, Hibs themselves have recorded just one win from six home games. This Saturday offers an opportunity for them to rectify that record, but only if they can overcome what appears to be a mental block in seeing out games.