Hearts overcame a first-half red card for the second time in four days to beat St Mirren and remain six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Beni Baningime's 15th-minute dismissal for a horror challenge threatened to hamper Hearts' title challenge, but second-half goals from Lawrence Shankland and Tomas Magnusson secured victory.
It is the second consecutive statement win after Derek McInnes' embattled side won with 10 man at Dundee on Sunday after goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow was sent off just before half-time.
The red card came earlier in this game, and although no one could argue about the decision, it created a siege mentality around Tynecastle, leading to an atmosphere akin to a European night under the lights in Gorgie.
Baningime, who has been instrumental for the league leaders, caught Roland Idowu high on the calf with his studs and, after a quick video assistant referee (VAR) check, referee Kevin Clancy upgraded the colour of his card from yellow to red.
St Mirren would have the ball in the back of the net twice in the first half, through Idowu and Harry Milne's own goal, but both were chalked off for offside.
That didn't dent Hearts' play. Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis both missed one-on-one opportunities in the first half, and St Mirren keeper Shamal George made a great save to deny Shankland in the second.
But he could do nothing to stop the Hearts' captain on the hour mark.
Blair Spittal played a fine one-two with Kyziridis before picking out Shankland in the middle, and he in turn picked out the bottom corner with a first-time finish.
It got even better for Hearts when, after hard work from substitute Pierre Landry Kabore, Magnusson was able to play Milne through one-on-one.
His shot was saved by George but Magnusson was there on the rebound to head home and settle any home nerves.
As for St Mirren, that makes it two wins from 15 amid a mini-injury crisis, as they remain in 10th place, four points behind Dundee.
