As statements of intent go, this was indeed emphatic.

For much of the past 18 months, no team has managed to outclass and outfight Hibernians but that changed on Sunday as the unheralded Mosta punctured the champions’ invincible aura after beating them 4-1.

More than the win, it was the manner in which it was achieved that astounded many, much to the delight of their coach Ivan Zammit.

“After a game like that, you can’t not be satisfied with the team’s performance,” Zammit, who took over at Mosta in the close season after a short stint at the helm of Valletta, told Times of Malta.

“The team responded well after the defeat to Balzan.

“We had some important players missing but those who came into the side showed that they can do a job for us.

“For me, that’s very important as I don’t go by names. I believe that if you want a place in the team, you have to fight for it.”

While most teams resort to defensive tactics when playing Hibernians, Mosta stayed true to their attacking principles.

Unfazed by the prospect of facing the star-studded champions, Zammit instructed his team to push forward and exert pressure all over the pitch, an approach that reaped handsome dividends as the Blues’ purposeful raids rattled the Hibs defence.

“I was very pleased with our attacking play,” Zammit reflected. “Our movement prised their defence wide open.

“When I was coaching Balzan a few years ago, I was criticised for being old-fashioned as I played with three central defenders but now most of the teams in the Premier League are using this system.

“I know its strengths and weaknesses.

“Last season, with Valletta, I adopted the same tactics in the famous second-round game against Hibernians and, for the first 20 minutes, they couldn’t handle it but the game changed after Jonathan Caruana and Ryan Fenech were sent off in the first half.”

Invited to elaborate on how Mosta set about exposing the flaws in the Hibs defence, Zammit said: “When you defend with three, one usually ventures out and that leaves a lot of space behind.

“Obviously, it’s easier said than done.

“On a black board or computer, anyone can sketch the movement but it’s more difficult to apply during the game.

“When playing against strong teams like Hibs, you either opt to defend and put a lot of bodies in front of the box or you try to attack them.

“Our intentions were clear as we pressed them even in their own box.

“This strategy has its risks and there were times when we found ourselves in 2-vs-2 or 3-vs-2 situations. Hibs had opportunities to score but we also had our chances.”

When I was coaching Balzan a few years back, I was criticised for being old-fashioned as I played with three central defenders but now most of the teams in the Premier League are using this system

Brazilian Jorge put Hibs ahead after just 27 minutes but Mosta equalised seven minutes from half-time through Nigerian Ice-Cream Guobadia. The Blues hit top gear in the second half, adding three more goals through Ekani Rodriguez, Ian Zammit and Edin Murga for a remarkable victory.

Murga, signed on loan from Birkirkara in the summer transfer window, had been one of Mosta’s most dynamic players but spoiled his outing by getting sent off after earning a second booking for lifting his shirt over his head during his goal celebration.

While Zammit had no qualms about Murga’s second booking, he bemoaned what he perceived as a lack of consistency from referee Mario Apap who had been in charge of the Hibs-Valletta match, played in December, when defender Caruana was shown a straight red card for raising his foot at Marcelo Dias after being fouled.

“I was surprised that (Hibs striker) Jorginho was not penalised after swinging his foot in retaliation during the first half,” Zammit said.

“The same referee had dismissed Caruana for a similar offence last season.

“Match officials are prone to make mistakes but my argument is that there should be more continuity.

“That said, I do recognise the great commitment and contribution of the Maltese referees. I know that they do work hard to improve and we have seen their potential as the foreign referees who have been coming over to control Premier League games are not better than the local ones.”

Mosta’s spirits are certainly high after Sunday’s win but Zammit has already switched his attention to the derby against neighbours Naxxar Lions after the international break.

“We need to keep our feet on the ground,” Zammit said.

“Every win is worth three points, so it’s not like we have gained an additional bonus just because we have beaten the champions.

“It was a good game from us and we are satisfied but from today, we will start preparing for the next game.

“On paper, we should win the next match but football is not like that. Hibs were expected to beat us handsomely, on paper, but the reality was different.

“The sooner the players, committee and supporters forget the Hibs game, the better.”

Last season, Mosta seriously flirted with relegation before saving their skin by beating Division One side Gżira United 2-0 in an end-of-season play-off.

The omens are more encouraging this term as Mosta are in the top half of the table, level with Floriana on 13 points.

Happy squad

On the evidence of their bright display on Sunday, Mosta look well-equipped to challenge for a Europa League spot but Zammit is not looking too far ahead.

“I wish to win the league title,” Zammit said with a tad of irony.

“From what I’ve heard, there has been an enormous transformation at Mosta this season compared to the last one.

“The attitude of the players has changed. They come for training an hour before and there are no complaints after a two-hour session. But, we can’t think that we have suddenly become a super team because you need time to improve.

“We need to go forward gradually because if you rush, you can slip and get hurt.

“We are trying to address certain things.

“As a coach, I always keep in the mind the difficulties faced by Maltese players.

“They train after a day’s work and therefore it’s very important that they enjoy themselves during training.

“We try to keep the players happy. It’s not easy as those who are not playing are never happy but I give an opportunity to everyone because every player is important.”