Dwight Gayle's superb first-time finish earned Hibernian a hard-fought Scottish Premiership victory over Edinburgh rivals Hearts at Tynecastle.

The visitors took an early lead through a Kye Rowles own goal following a long VAR check, before a horror own goal from Rocky Bushiri on the stroke of half-time levelled the scores.

The game looked destined to end in a draw after a drab second half, but Gayle rolled back the years with a wonderful goal.

The 35-year-old former Newcastle United and Crystal Palace striker darted in front of Hearts defender Craig Halkett to meet Nicky Cadden's inviting cross from the left and nudge an effort across Craig Gordon and into the far right corner.

Hearts pushed for a second equaliser, but Hibs stood firm in front of a packed away end to take the points and bragging rights.

David Gray's side moved up to seventh in the table following their first win at Tynecastle in five years, while Hearts stayed 10th before the rest of the Boxing Day action.

At half-time, Hearts confirmed that a supporter was ejected from Tynecastle and arrested in relation to an alleged incident of racism.

Gray selected an unchanged team following the convincing weekend win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and the momentum from that performance was apparent in the early stages in Gorgie.

They could have had a penalty when Rowles appeared to inadvertently handle in his own box, but from the corner that followed, they hit the front.

Josh Campbell - who was an effective aerial presence throughout - met Cadden's inswinging delivery, and the ball deflected off Rowles' head and past Gordon in the Hearts goal.

Having originally disallowed the goal for Bushiri blocking Gordon's line of sight, referee Nick Walsh was advised by VAR John Beaton to review the incident, after which the goal was given.

Cadden's left foot provided a constant threat, while his twin brother Chris bombed up and down from right-back.

There were chances for Martin Boyle and Elie Youan to add a second before a lapse in concentration from Bushiri undid the preceding good work.

Lawrence Shankland's header was going harmlessly wide, but the centre-back swung a leg at it and wildly sliced his clearance into the back of his own goal.

However, Gayle delivered the decisive moment of quality on 78 minutes, and Hibs then showed real character to see the game through.

So often they have thrown away leads with late concessions, but they seem to have turned a corner in recent weeks and their fans showed appreciation by roaring them through the final 10 minutes.

It's now four wins from five, and Hibs are closing in on the league's top six before they welcome Kilmarnock to Easter Road on Sunday.

The torrent of fans heading for the exits towards the end told a story, as did the boos that met the full-time whistle.

Hearts supporters remain unconvinced by Neil Critchley's side and are disenchanted with off-field matters.

Maroon scarves were thrown from the stands in protest at full-time after another uninspiring performance and a loss against their biggest rivals.

Critchley's side had plenty of the ball, but they struggled to carve out chances of note.

It has been said plenty of times before, but their striking lack of pace in forward areas makes them predictable in possession. There is lots of tidy play without much penetration.

At the back, Craig Halkett and Rowles looked shaky. Hibs targeted the Australian centre-back in the air, resulting in the opening goal, and Halkett looked laboured having hurried back from injury.

They had plenty of shots, but Jordan Smith was rarely worried in the Hibs goal. Efforts came from long range or unlikely angles, and youngster James Wilson was isolated up top.

Shankland had a wonderful opportunity late on, but he hesitated at the vital moment and that pause allowed Hibs to get back and block the shot.

"I don't think we played anywhere near like we're capable of in the first half. We got a bit of fortune with the goal but we were fortunate to be 1-1 at half-time.

"Second half we were in the ascendancy, but then we go and do what we have done on too many occasions - concede a really poor goal. Until we stop that, it's going to stop us building any consistency."

Hibs head coach David Gray: "Derbies are always eventful and intense. I told the players there's no better place to get a win and I'm delighted for everyone involved.

"I thought we were a huge threat in the first half. From going 1-0 up to getting pegged back, we showed character again. Second half, we weren't as good as we can be, but their goalkeeper still had to make bigger saves than ours.

"The hard work has never stopped. The belief has always been there. You saw the togetherness during big moments and the big thing for us is confidence."