Hearts maintained their strong start to the Scottish Premiership season with a hard-fought victory over St Johnstone, just days after their dramatic European success.
Wouter Vrancken's side came into the game having secured Conference League qualification with a penalty shootout victory over Rapid Vienna.
Despite the physical demands of that encounter, Hearts started brightly at Tynecastle and quickly took control.
The opening goal came after St Johnstone were punished for attempting to play out from the back.
Josh McPake capitalised on the mistake and released James Wilson, with the 19-year-old producing a composed first-time finish.
Hearts continued to dominate and created several opportunities, but goalkeeper Toby Steward produced a string of impressive saves to keep the visitors in contention.
The hosts eventually doubled their advantage when a cross into the penalty area caused confusion at the back post.
Hearts midfielder Laurent Mendy and St Johnstone debutant Enes Alic challenged for the ball, which ended up in the net, with the goal ultimately credited as an own goal to Alic.
St Johnstone responded impressively after the break and reduced the deficit when Ruari Paton broke behind the Hearts defence before calmly sliding his finish past Beau Reus.
The visitors continued to apply pressure as Hearts began to show signs of fatigue following their exhausting 120-minute European encounter in midweek.
However, despite St Johnstone pushing for an equaliser, Hearts defended with determination and held on to secure another important Premiership victory.
Hearts once again demonstrated their attacking quality, although defensive vulnerabilities remain an issue for Vrancken.
The new head coach has repeatedly spoken about finding the right balance between attack and defence, and this performance highlighted why.
Hearts were excellent going forward during the opening half, producing 11 attempts, with seven on target.
Mendy was particularly influential in midfield and came close to scoring his first goal for the club.
His performance was especially important following the injury suffered by Tom Renaud during the European victory over Rapid Vienna.
Defensively, however, Hearts remained vulnerable.
Paton's goal came too easily, while tiredness increasingly affected the hosts as the match progressed.
Passes began going astray and decision-making deteriorated as both physical and mental fatigue became apparent.
Nevertheless, Hearts found a way to protect their advantage.
After the effort required to secure European qualification, another victory represents an encouraging result ahead of Thursday's Edinburgh derby at Easter Road.
St Johnstone could easily have allowed their heads to drop after conceding two disappointing first-half goals, but Simo Valakari's side responded impressively.
Rather than allowing Hearts to take complete control, Saints gradually worked their way back into the contest and produced a much stronger second-half display.
Jason Holt and Sam Stanton played important roles in midfield, while Jamie Gullan and substitutes Taylor Steven and Kai Fotheringham provided additional energy.
Paton's goal gave the visitors genuine belief that they could rescue something from the match, and they created opportunities to equalise.
Their biggest problem was a lack of composure in decisive moments.
Josh Fowler had an excellent opportunity after rounding Reus but failed to take advantage.
Despite leaving Tynecastle without points, there were encouraging signs for Valakari.
St Johnstone possess attacking quality and determination, but improving defensively will be crucial if they are to turn promising performances into results.
