Hearts 4-0 Hibernian. As easy as it sounds.

Hearts gave their neighbours a lesson in footballing brilliance. From start to finish, Hearts totally outclassed our city rivals in a 4-0 stroll in the sun.

It all began as early as the 13^th minute, when Czech striker Rudi Scakel slammed home from close range after a mix-up in the Hibs rearguard. Over zealous celebrations in front of the visiting support also gave Scakel the day’s first yellow card.

It was all uphill for Hibs after that. They huffed and puffed through the first half without actually testing Hearts and Scotland ‘keeper Craig Gordon. Hearts had a few chances in the 1^st half, but the Hibs defence stayed solid. The loss of Hibs Captain didn’t help their cause. Caldwell was taken off just before half time with a suspected broken rib and a punctured lung. Hibs manager Tony Mowbray was also ordered to sit in the stand by referee Stuart Dougal for comments made to the linesman.

The second half began more open although. Hibs had a bit of pressure for the first 10 minutes or so without actually giving Hearts any trouble. The Hearts defence limited the Hibernian strikers to long range efforts which didn’t trouble Craig Gordon.

After Hearts weathered the wee storm, they regained control of the match. In 58 minutes, Hearts were awarded a penalty kick, when Hibs defender Smith was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area. Paul Hartley duly did the honours from the spot.

After that, it seemed no way back for Hibs. Even the introduction of Riordan and Sproule made little or no difference. This theory was strengthened after 71 minutes, when an almighty mix up in the Hibs rearguard allowed Hearts substitute Steven Simmons to collect the loose ball and coolly dispatched it into the net, leaving a hapless Malkowski no chance in the Hibs goal. 3-0 and Hearts just warming up!

Hearts saved the best till last. After a spell of relentless pressure, and numerous corners, Paul Hartley played a corner kick straight from the training ground. He played a diagonal ball straight to midfielder Saulius Mikolunas, who in turn curled it past Malkowski’s near post.

4-0 and easy. The Hearts crowd were in full voice, as the Hibs contingent made their way home early. Vladimir Romanov, who felt humbled by the chants from the Gorgie faithful, applauded the sell-out crowd as the game drew to a close.

All in all, a very worthwhile 3 points for the Jambos. This game was never in any doubt right from the start. Last season, Hearts never scored 4 goals in ANY game, and now have scored 4 In the first 2 games this term. The bookies put odds at the start of the season for Hearts to win the league at 500/1. Now, after just 2 games, these odds have been slashed to 40/1.