Hearts were made to work for a crucial three points as they narrowly overcame St Johnstone at Tynecastle.
Neil Critchley’s men started the stronger team as St Johnstone’s expansive style of play made it easier for the Jambos to find space in possession and make plenty of passing interchanges.
And deservedly, the Gorgie outfit took the lead after 15 minutes when Adam Forrester’s wicked delivery from the right wing was bulleted home by the head of birthday boy James Penrice, who turned 26 today.
Hearts continued to be the better side as the half went on and thought they’d doubled their lead through young James Wilson – however, his finish was ruled out for offside.
The home side led at the break and it prompted St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari to make a change at left-back as Andre Raymond was hooked for Graham Carey.
It proved to be fantastic call by the manager as the Saints started the second-half much the stronger team with Carey at the centre of things.
St Johnstone’s pressure then evolved into a penalty award after a VAR review as a cross into the box hit the elbow of Hearts full-back Penrice.
Carey was the man to convert from 12 yards and it got his side level – but only for a matter of minutes.
Blair Spittal calmed the nerves somewhat inside Tynecastle with a ferocious 20-yard strike to reclaim the lead against the run of play.
But St Johnstone were not down and out and the slender one-goal lead made for a restless finish to the game as far as Hearts were concerned.
However, the Gorgie side held out and the win means Hearts move up to 10th with St Johnstone now occupying the bottom of the Premiership table.
Here’s three things Not The Old Firm learned from Hearts 2-1 St Johnstone.
Hearts trio impress
While it wasn’t the most convincing of Hearts victories, it was way better than what was served up against Petrocub on Thursday night.
Hearts played with more tempo and passing interchanges while also posing a threat on both wings thanks to goal-scorer James Penrice and goal provider Adam Forrester.
Both were fantastic throughout the encounter as their deliveries from both sides caused St Johnstone some problems, particularly in the first-half.
But above all, midfield enforcer Cammy Devlin was the game’s standout performer. As ever, the Aussie was relentless in winning the ball back for Hearts and breaking up play, particularly important given St Johnstone impressed at times on the ball.
Devlin never gave the Saints a moment’s peace in midfield and was a massive part in the victory.
St Johnstone make Hearts work for win
St Johnstone will now occupy the bottom of the Premiership table on Christmas Day, but they gave a good account of themselves in the capital.
Valakari has them playing some neat football and they were a danger in attack through Benji Kimpioka and the in-form Makenzie Kirk.
St Johnstone were arguably the better side in the second-half as the atmosphere inside Tynecastle got edgier and edgier as the visitors looked for another leveller.
But their efforts were fruitless in the end and the McDiarmid Park outfit will have the chance to move out of the automatic relegation spot when they face Dundee United on Boxing Day.
Gorgie Ultras boycott
Hearts fan group Gorgie Ultras decided to skip this afternoon’s clash in protest against the Jambos board and the general running of the club.
Their section behind the goals in the Gorgie Stand was left empty at kick-off as they made their feelings towards CEO Andrew McKinlay and chairwoman Ann Budge known.
It is expected, according to the Daily Record, that the group will return to Tynecastle for Hearts’ Edinburgh derby clash with Hibs on Boxing Day.