Craig Halkett delivered a stunning stoppage-time winner to send Tynecastle into raptures and secure Hearts’ place at the top of the Scottish Premiership heading into the international break.
The centre-back volleyed home from substitute Sabah Kerjota’s inch-perfect cross, breaking the deadlock after Hibernian had carved out the clearer chances over the 90 minutes.
Martin Boyle was the main threat for the visitors, forcing a save from Alexander Schwolow before clipping the bar with a clever chip. He also had a goal ruled out for offside after racing through on goal.
At the other end, Hearts winger Alexandros Kyziridis attempted to repeat last week’s wonder strike against Falkirk, but his ambitious long-range effort cleared the bar.
Just as the game seemed destined for a stalemate, Kerjota’s late delivery was met by Halkett’s controlled volley, sparking bedlam in the stands and sending Hearts five points clear at the summit.
Defending champions Celtic can reduce the gap to two points if they beat Motherwell on Sunday, while David Gray’s Hibs sit seventh after their first league defeat of the season, having managed just one win so far.
For much of the match, it looked as though Hibs would continue their strong derby record – unbeaten in the last four – and silence the growing talk of a Hearts title challenge.
Martin Boyle was electric, linking up well with Kieron Bowie to stretch the home defence.
His pace created several dangerous moments, including the chip that struck the bar and the disallowed strike confirmed by VAR.
Grant Hanley, tuning up for Scotland duty, marshalled the back line well for most of the afternoon but hesitated at a late clearance, a moment of indecision that gave Hearts their chance.
From the resulting corner, Kerjota’s delivery was of the highest quality, and Halkett’s volleyed finish sealed a dramatic victory.
It was a reminder that even when second best for spells, Hearts have the resilience – and now the momentum – to seize crucial moments in the title race.
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "We're only seven league games in but we've had three last-minute winners, which says a lot about the team, the squad depth, the mentality.
"It was a lovely cross and Halkett put in a proper performance today. We get our reward for perseverance. We managed to come up with a winning goal, which sent the place berserk."
Hibernian head coach David Gray: "There was very few chances within the game. It probably sums up our season, not taking our chances when they do come.
"We did have the biggest chance of the game before they scored and we didn't take it and then you get punished for not being able to see it out at the other end. We don't do enough to make sure we at least come away with a point."
