As for Hibs, it was a long, long stay of execution.
Defeat felt inevitable after the second red card, but enough time had elapsed before the goals to give the home fans hope they could hold on.
Yes, Hearts dominated possession, had an xG of 1.8, and enjoyed more than 50 touches inside the Hibs box. But some of the saves substitute Smith was making made you think that maybe it was his story today.
Corners, Hearts’ deadliest weapon this season, were cleared. Crosses were swept away or gathered by the keeper. Hearts resorted to pot shots at one point.
While both sides panicked, at the hour mark it seemed Hibs were still doing the right thing. Absorb the pressure, waste time, kill the tempo and play it smart.
Then Boyle went off, grief-stricken to have played his last Edinburgh derby, and a minute later, Hearts had scored.
The balls up top stopped sticking. Cracks started to show. And they eventually told.
They tried their best to hold on, but there’s no doubt David Gray’s side shot themselves in the foot before eventually succumbing to their wounds.