KILMARNOCK, Scotland (Interstat) — Substitute Elie Youan delivered a stunning performance off the bench, scoring twice and adding an assist to power Hibernian to a commanding 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock in Scottish Premiership play on Saturday at BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park.

The match, which saw the visitors dominate after a tense opening, unfolded in stark contrast to the competitive affair projected by pregame analytics. Interstat’s game simulator had forecast a narrow 3-2 win for Hibernian, with its ELO system giving the Edinburgh club an 80.9 percent probability of victory. The final margin, however, reflected a more controlled and decisive display from the away side.

Hibernian signaled its intent early, breaking through in just the fifth minute. Youan, introduced as a substitute, made an immediate impact by finishing a chance to give his side a lead it would not relinquish. Kilmarnock struggled to find a consistent response in the first half, and their frustration showed in stoppage time when Youan’s aggressive play earned him the game’s first yellow card.

The home side’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a significant blow just before the hour mark. In the 57th minute, Hibernian forward Tyreece John-Jules found the net, doubling the advantage with Youan again involved, providing the assist. Kilmarnock defender Robbie Deas was booked for a challenge in the 69th minute, and moments later, Youan put the result beyond doubt. He netted his second goal of the afternoon in the 71st minute, completing a brace that solidified his status as the match’s decisive figure.

The contest grew increasingly fractious as Kilmarnock’s situation deteriorated. Hibernian substitute Raphael Sallinger received a yellow card in the 77th minute, and the home side’s plight turned dire three minutes later. Midfielder David Watson was shown a straight red card in the 80th minute, forcing Kilmarnock to play the final ten minutes a man down.

A brief moment of consolation arrived for the ten-man hosts in the 87th minute. Midfielder Marcus Dackers, who was also shown a yellow card, set up fellow substitute Jamie McGrath for a goal, denying Hibernian a clean sheet. The closing stages were marked by further disciplinary actions, with Kilmarnock’s Jack Thomson and Hibernian’s Jordan Obita both booked in second-half stoppage time.

The comprehensive win gives Hibernian a perfect start to its Premiership campaign, moving its league record to one win and no losses. Kilmarnock, meanwhile, begins its season with a defeat, standing at zero wins and one loss. The records across all competitions for both clubs are identical to their league starts following this fixture.

Youan’s two-goal, one-assist performance was the clear highlight, but Hibernian saw contributions spread throughout the lineup. McGrath’s late goal, assisted by Dackers, provided the final scoreline, while assists were also credited to defenders Robbie Deas and Jack Thomson for Kilmarnock, and substitutes Raphael Sallinger and Jordan Obita for Hibernian.

The result provides a strong foundation for Hibernian’s season ambitions, while Kilmarnock will look to regroup after a disappointing opening day showing in front of its home supporters.