St Johnstone secured a 2-1 victory over Hibernian, prompting sharp criticism from pundit Charlie Mulgrew about the visitors' tactical approach. The former Scotland defender, covering the match for Premier Sports, said he could not identify a coherent plan in Hibs' play and reported manager David Gray was furious with his defenders.
Charlie Mulgrew delivered a blunt assessment after watching Hibernian lose to St Johnstone and then suffer a 3-1 Edinburgh derby defeat to Hearts. He said that the team's style was unclear. "I don't see exactly what Hibs are trying to do," Mulgrew said. "I see Hibs playing short from the back, a couple of times across the back, and then launching it forward to a striker that's got no physical presence, with no bodies around them, where everybody's spread out. They don't play through any lines. I just don't see them doing it."
Mulgrew observed that Hibs made two half-time changes in Perth, bringing off Jacob Devaney and Miguel Chaiwa. He noted the midfield was altered to include more ball-winners, but felt these were reactive moves without a defined strategy. The pundit believes the team is "scratching for something" and that the fan base shares his concern about the inconsistent performances, which he described as "fits and starts, peaks and troughs."
The core of the frustration, according to Mulgrew's analysis, stemmed from poor defending. He relayed the manager's anger directly from the touchline. "He's fuming. I think he's fuming," Mulgrew stated. "He said that my defenders are guessing in the box." This was in reference to St Johnstone's opening goal, which involved Josh Fowler. Former Scotland and Rangers full-back Alan Hutton, also speaking, suggested the manager would be containing his anger but should have been more demonstrative to show the fans the team was fully committed.
The win against Hibs contributes to a solid start for St Johnstone in the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership campaign. As of this week, the Perth side sits 7th in the table with 7 points from their opening five matches. Their record shows two wins, one draw, and two losses, with a recent form guide reading WDLLW. They have scored 8 goals and conceded 8, giving them a neutral goal difference. They currently trail league leaders Celtic by 8 points in the early title race.
St Johnstone's next challenge is a home fixture against Dundee United, scheduled for October 17th. United are currently 9th in the table, making it an important match for both sides looking to climb the league. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page.
The highlights a period of uncertainty for Hibernian under head coach David Gray. Defender Jason Kerr was part of a back line that Mulgrew felt was disorganised. The pundit's comments suggest a team searching for an identity, with changes made at half-time against St Johnstone failing to produce a turnaround. The result forms part of a mixed bag for Hibs, contrasting with St Johnstone's ability to capitalise on their opponent's flaws and secure three points at home. For more detailed player statistics from the season so far, visit our stats section. St Johnstone host Dundee United at McDiarmid Park on Saturday, October 17th.
