Lawrence Shankland continued his fine run of form as his double coupled up with Stephen Humphrys strike settled the Edinburgh Derby.
Hearts have been in stunning form following the World Cup shutdown and they added another three points to their tally thanks to a double from their captain fantastic and a goal in added on time. The Scotland international has taken over the armband for the rest of the campaign after Craig Gordon's season-ending injury and he lead from the front in this one in a solid display for the Jambos.
Victory strengthens Robbie Neilson and Co's grip on third spot behind Celtic and Rangers as they look to secure another European adventure next season after competing in the Europa Conference League group stage. For Lee Johnson and Hibs, who themselves wanted to land that best of the rest spot and a place in Europe next term, it is another major blow to their season. Here's three things we learned as the derby bragging rights remain in Gorgie.
READ MORE : Hearts No1 Craig Gordon breaks silence over leg break as he roars 'I've walked this road before'
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Captain Fantastic
Is there a better on form striker at the moment?
Lawrence Shankland added another two goals to his tally including a spot-kick.
A big push was made by Robbie Neilson to sign the hitman this summer and he has repaid that faith and more.
18 goals for the campaign including 15 in the Premiership.
What a stunning return and one Scotland boss Steve Clarke is sure to be also keeping a close eye on.
VAR takes centre stage
Kevin Clancy was the man in the middle for this one.
A big talking point was surrounding Hearts' second goal as a lengthy check was taken for an offside then a possible handball.
The game was paused for over six minutes before the man in the middle was called to the screen.
Something we need to get used to in our game these days but frustrating for players, management, supporters and everybody else.
On this occasion, the decision landed in favour of the Jambos.
Eur On
Robbie Neilson set the target of being in touch of third spot pre-World Cup shutdown.
Now, his team are the ones to catch as they extended their lead over Aberdeen in fourth to five points - and have a game in hand.
It's been a brilliant run of form for the Gorgie side since the return to action from the winter break as they continue to pull away.
The capital club finished best of the rest last season and enjoyed a Europa Conference League group stage adventure earlier this season. They are well on course to repeat the feat this time around.
READ NEXT:
- Kye Rowles in it for long haul at Hearts as he sends 'don’t stab people in the back' message
- Hearts No1 Craig Gordon breaks silence over leg break as he roars 'I've walked this road before'
