Aberdeen Secure Crucial Win as Nisbet's Double Downs Hibs

Aberdeen earned a vital Scottish Premiership victory over 10-man Hibernian, with Kevin Nisbet scoring twice to hand 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 in off the underside of the bar. The Dons had been struggling, with just one win in their last 16 matches, but this morale-boosting clean sheet could be a turning point in their battle to avoid the relegation play-off spot. Hibs, who were unbeaten in their last five matches, had been seeking to catch Motherwell for fourth place, but this loss sets back their ambitions. The game burst into life when Olusanya was hauled down by Hanley, and after a VAR check, the penalty was awarded and Hanley was given his marching orders. Nisbet coolly slotted in the penalty, and Aberdeen went on to dominate the game, with Stuart Armstrong and Emmanuel Gyamfi coming close to adding to the score. Gyamfi was later involved in a VAR review for a possible violent conduct offence, but he escaped with a yellow card. In the second half, Aberdeen continued to threaten, with Olusanya flashing a shot across the face of goal and Gyamfi seeing an effort fade away. The Dons got their deserved second goal when Nisbet's powerful drive was ruled to have crossed the line after a VAR check. Hibs applied some late pressure, but the Dons held firm to record a crucial win. Robinson praised his team's performance, saying they 'stood up today and were counted,' while Hibs boss David Gray felt the conditions were tough and the (Hanley) decision was correct, although unfortunate.