Hearts could not be feeling more positive heading into this weekend’s Edinburgh derby.
On the flip side, Hibs could not be feeling much worse about themselves.
The difference in form between the two capital clubs is stark. Of course, as have the performance levels.
Robbie Neilson’s side asserted their position as Scotland’s third best team on Wednesday night with a resounding 5-0 victory over challengers Aberdeen.
The most worrying thing for the likes of the Dons, Livingston, St Mirren and yes, even Hibs, was that it was clear the Jambos could’ve upped it another few gears.
Stephen Kingsley returned to action after being absent for a few weeks due to concussion protocols. The Scotland international replaced Toby Sibbick, who was struggling with cramp.
And the ex-Swansea full-back insists there’s more to come from this Hearts squad. He said: “I’ve never had the pleasure of coming on in a game where we are already 5-0 up so that was very enjoyable, and it was just nice to be back out there with the boys and to see out the game.
“It couldn't have been any better. Obviously, Aberdeen had a tough game the other day, but we knew it would still be a tough game, as it is any time we play them, so I’m just delighted that we won, first and foremost, and the manner we played. But, I think, we can still play a lot better. I don't think we played anywhere near our best. It is only positive getting that result against a team like Aberdeen when we are going into a big game on Sunday.
“I think we have certainly played better than we have in this one and not got that kind of result. Sometimes that can happen. We were clinical in front of goal in this one but sometimes that doesn't happen. In fact, I think the first time we played Aberdeen, up there, in the first half we dominated and were brilliant in the first half but couldn't score. We missed something like three sitters and then in the second half they came out, did much better, scored two goals and we got beat 2-0.
“It was good that this time we took our chances and maybe they were tired from their game the other day so us converting those early chances and being clinical was obviously massive.
“We always strive for that no matter what part of the season we are in. Last season, not getting too down when you get beat and not getting too high when you have a result like this is key, especially going into a game like Sunday’s. You can't get too ahead of ourselves. We will enjoy this for the next hour or so and relax but once that’s done it’s all eyes on Sunday.
“Everything has to be right for that one. The preparation has to be right; recovery has to be right. So, come the morning, everyone will already have their eyes on Sunday and will make sure they are as prepared as they can be.”
Despite Hearts’ healthy seven-point lead over closest challengers Livi, Kingsley is adamant finishing in third for the second season on the trot is far from sealed.
He added: “Oh no, there is still a long way to go. Definitely. This is a great result against a good team, but it is still just three points at the end of the day. You don't get extra points for the manner in which you get the result. But Sunday is massive and now that this one is over, we are only focusing on that, but there are still massive games coming up and we need to be on it.
“We are fully focused on Hibs and the Scottish Cup on Sunday and then after that we will work on making that gap between ourselves in third and the teams behind us a bit bigger.”
