Given the tight nature of past Edinburgh derbies, few would have predicted Hearts’ 4-0 thrashing of rivals Hibs last weekend – including Scotland captain Rachel Corsie.
Hibs bested the Jambos three times in four meetings last year and despite both teams starting the season strongly, and the game being played at Easter Road, it was Eva Olid’s side who triumphed on Friday night.
“Hibs took us by surprise a wee bit, we’ve been asking the question – will we see a Hibs more familiar to the one that we’re more familiar with?” Corsie said on the BBC’s Behind The Goals podcast.
“I did expect it to be closer but when you look at the game, on the whole it was a really good watch. Eilidh Shore’s goal to kick things off was a really good finish.
“The fact there was 4,000 in attendance is a good marker. I’d like to see that a lot higher because once people realise there’s a rivalry amongst the players, in a healthy way, both sets of fans will get behind their team.”
Going into the match, Hibs had only dropped points this season – against Celtic – while Hearts had only lost to Glasgow City.
“I was surprised, I thought it would be a closer contest,” former Scotland midfielder and current Motherwell coach Leanne Crichton.
“We [Motherwell] have played against both sides in recent weeks and I didn’t see there being a gulf between them.
“Hibs didn’t carry a goal threat, didn’t capitalise and score. That was disappointing from their perspective. What an unbelievable result for Hearts and another statement to continue their form.
“It’s a sore one for Hibs and I’ve no doubt they’ll already be looking for the next derby, when it is, and trying to seek revenge. That’s not to take away from the good start they’ve had to the season.