HEARTS 1 HIBERNIAN 2: Touch of class from Gayle hands Hibs the Edinburgh derby bragging rights as pressure builds on Critchley
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In the build-up to this latest instalment of the Edinburgh derby, Dwight Gayle had spoken of his ‘body breaking down’ as he contemplated retirement at the end of the season. When the full-time whistle went at Tynecastle, it was Hearts who were broken by the veteran English striker whose superb goal clinched Hibs’ first win in Gorgie for exactly five years.
![[The ex-Newcastle and Crystal Palace striker made the difference after coming off the bench]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/26/16/93496671-0-image-a-2_1735229112705.jpg)
Substitute Gayle’s late strike maintained the recent revival of David Gray’s side, who have earned four victories from their last five games to climb away from the basement area of the Premiership. It is now Hearts manager Neil Critchley who is very much under pressure at the wrong end of the table — and the furious reaction of the home fans to this latest setback made it clear, little more than two months into his tenure, that they are rapidly losing faith in him.
![[Hearts boss Critchley is under pressure with his club toiling in the league and out of Europe]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/26/16/93496645-0-image-a-3_1735229117439.jpg)
Hibs were well worth only their second derby win in the last 16 meetings of the clubs. They could have been out of sight by half-time but failed to capitalise on an early own goal from Kye Rowles which put them in front. Rocky Bushiri returned the favour when he directed the ball past his own goalkeeper to give Hearts an equaliser but it was a moment of real class from former Newcastle and Crystal Palace man Gayle which decided the outcome.
![[Josh Campbell's header deflects off of Kye Rowles to open the scoring at Tynecastle]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/26/16/93496653-0-image-a-4_1735229130260.jpg)
Dwight Gayle celebrates after his deft flick settled the Edinburgh derby in Hibs' favour. The ex-Newcastle and Crystal Palace striker made the difference after coming off the bench. Hearts boss Critchley is under pressure with his club toiling in the league and out of Europe.
![[Craig Gordon was forced to make a series of stops to keep the visitors at bay in the first half]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/26/16/93496655-0-image-a-5_1735229135398.jpg)
