Hibs succumbed to a second defeat in their latest Premiership match away against St Mirren, losing 1-0 at the SMISA Stadium.
The Hibees have made a knack of scoring late goals this season but they've also made a habit of starting slowly. That hit them again as Keanus Baccus netted early doors for the home side who dominated the first half, despite Christian Doidge passing up a very good chance to level for Hibs.
Only Trevor Carson's strong hand stopped Joe Newell from doing so but not much later was Eamonn Brophy up the park for St Mirren, his effort hitting the inside post and trickling across David Marshall's line before being cleared. He really should have netted moments layer but blasted over after Ryan Porteous was caught in possession. Away fans made their feelings clear after their side were left with one win from five games so far this term. Here are three things we learned.
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters f or more headlines straight to your inbox
READ MORE: Lee Johnson in 'aggressive' Hibs demand as he provides assessment on breathtaking Rangers clash
Out the blocks
Hibs just don't seem able to get started in matches. Johnson has spoken of his desire to get a 90 minute performance and that was a long way off here.
They were totally outplayed in the first half and got a bit better in the second, which has been the theme of almost all their games so far.
Injury woe
There wasn't exactly ideal prep either to this one. First back-up goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski was confirmed as having a shoulder ligament injury that will rule him out for at least two months.
Rocky Bushiri has been a regular in defence and he too is in a race to play again before November's World Cup break after picking up a bad ankle knock.
Clinical touch
Despite their lack of competitiveness in stages of this match, it wasn't like Hibs were standing idle and letting this defeat come.
Doidge should have levelled it and they did get into the opposition final third. But taking any chances looked slim, with Martin Boyle and Elie Youan very quiet, the latter fluffing a chance that was harder to miss than score.
READ NEXT:
- Hibs fans launch pitch invasion as derby exuberance spills onto pitch after Martin Boyle heroics
- Lee Johnson ignored Hibs hierarchy advice over Martin Boyle as he sends 'very gentle' reminder
- Robbie Neilson highlights Hibs 'talk' as he bigs up Hearts domination in recent derby clashes
- Three things we learned from Hibs vs Hearts as Boyle in heroic return and Shankland off the mark
- Hearts player showered with chips as fans hurl objects during Edinburgh derby