Aberdeen Secure Crucial Win Over 10-Man Hibernian

Kevin Nisbet scored twice to give Aberdeen a vital Scottish Premiership victory over Hibernian, earning Stephen Robinson his first win as head coach. Nisbet's first goal came from the penalty spot after Grant Hanley was sent off for pulling down Toyosi Olusanya, and he sealed the 2-0 win with a powerful drive that crashed off the underside of the bar. Aberdeen had been struggling with just one win in their last 16 matches, but this victory gives them a much-needed boost in their battle to avoid the relegation play-off spot. Hibs, who were unbeaten in their last five matches, were unable to recover from Hanley's red card and Aberdeen's dominant performance. The win marks a turning point for Robinson's side, who had been under pressure after a lackluster defeat to St Mirren. Nisbet's goals were the difference-maker, and his performance will be a major confidence booster for the team. Aberdeen's victory also highlights the importance of keeping clean sheets, which they achieved despite Hibs' late pressure. The team's performance has been improving in training, and this win is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Hibs boss David Gray acknowledged that the decision to send off Hanley was correct, although he felt it was accidental. He also expressed surprise that a foul was not given in the first instance, and believed that the VAR review was necessary. The match was marked by a slow start, but it burst into life just before the quarter-hour mark when Olusanya was pulled down by Hanley. The penalty was awarded after a VAR check, and Nisbet coolly slotted it into the bottom-left corner. Hibs brought on Rocky Bushiri for Jack Iredale in an attempt to switch to a back four, but Aberdeen continued to dominate. Stuart Armstrong curled narrowly over from 20 yards, and Gyamfi came close with a cross that almost sneaked under the crossbar. Nisbet saw Sallinger hold a weak header from an Alexander Jensen cross, and the same player miscontrolled when in the area a minute later. The impressive Jensen should have doubled the lead in added time at the end of the first half when he blasted over the bar from close range after a Gyamfi cross. German full-back Gyamfi found himself on the end of a VAR review for a possible violent conduct offence before the half-time whistle, ultimately receiving a yellow card for his clash with Dane Scarlett. The Dons came out brightly for the second half and just a minute after the restart Olusanya flashed a shot across the face of goal before seeing an attempted bicycle kick fly wide another minute later. Hibs had been kept at arm's length for much of the proceedings and, even when Owen Elding broke through and was denied by Dimitar Mitov, the offside flag rendered it moot. Aberdeen continued to threaten and Gyamfi saw an effort from the edge of the area fade away from goal at the last moment. Five minutes later Afeez Aremu saw an effort curl away to the other side of goal. The Dons got a deserved second goal after 75 minutes. Nisbet's powerful drive crashed off the underside of the bar and play initially continued before a VAR check ruled the ball had indeed crossed the line. Hibs finally applied some sustained pressure as the Dons looked to see the game out, but the home side survived a number of set-pieces to record a morale-boosting clean sheet. Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson praised his team's performance, saying they were excellent throughout and that some of their play was really good. He acknowledged that the position they're in comes with a lot of pressure and criticism, but the players stood up and were counted. Hibs boss David Gray felt that the conditions were tough and that there wasn't a lot of quality football being played. He believed that the decision to send off Hanley was correct, although he thought it was accidental. He also complimented the referee for sticking to his guns and not being swayed by the VAR review.