Tomas Magnusson's 88th-minute strike sparked Tynecastle bedlam and gave Heart of Midlothian a crucial Edinburgh derby victory to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to six points.
Image source, SNSHibs head coach David Gray: "Very little in it again. If anyone was going to win it I felt it was going to be us. If you don't defend your box right until the end... That's what's cost us today.
"You don't always get what you deserve in football and I don't think we deserved to lose but we find ourselves in the same situation which is coming here and leaving with nothing.
"It was very fast, very frantic, little football. We got pulled into a little bit of that. I'd have liked us to show a wee bit more quality. If anyone was going to create from open play, it was going to be us.
"The quality and big chances were slim, a draw would've probably been a fair result. We get nothing because we don't do the basics for the full duration of the game.
"We switch off, turn round, don't stop the cross and allow a free run into the box, and an unopposed tap in. Completely preventable and naive to allow that to happen at that stage of the game.
"The least we deserved out of that was a point but we get nothing."
Image source, SNSFormer Hearts boss Robbie Neilson believes 99% of Hibs fans would rather stop their rivals from winning the league than qualify for Europe themselves.
The sides meet at Tynecastle tonight for the third Edinburgh derby of the season, with Hearts three points clear at the top of the table and Hibs sitting fifth with 13 Premiership games left to play.
David Gray's side are still firmly in the hunt for a European place despite their Scottish Cup exit and could deliver a major blow to Hearts' title aspirations with victory in Gorgie.
"There's no doubting tonight's game is massive for both teams," Neilson told the BBC Scottish Football Podcast.
"Because what have Hibs really got left to play for this season? Stopping Hearts winning the league.
"I think if you asked 99% of Hibs fans, would you want to make Europe or would you want to make sure you stop Hearts winning the Premiership, they would pick stopping Hearts.
"So these are their big games. This is their opportunity. Hearts are obviously going for the title. So it's a massive game and I'm looking forward to it."
Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan believes his old side are in a good place despite losing key asset Kieron Bowie in the January window, and have come out of it looking stronger.
He said: "I definitely think they've strengthened. Getting the money in [club record fee] for Bowie was fantastic business considering they only signed them for £600,000.
"He had a great start to the season and was a focal point for Hibs but the signings they've brought in [look good].
"Dane Scarlett was excellent against Dundee United. Felix Passlack comes in with a good pedigree, Munashe Garananga is in from Copenhagen, so they've managed to fill positions in their team that they probably had to strengthen.
"So I think Hibs are in a good position."
Matty Fairnie
Fan writer
We go into tonight's derby on a run of one defeat in eight league games - with the dramatic late comeback against Dundee United acting as a timely confidence booster for the squad.
David Gray had to shuffle the pack last midweek to get his latest recruits some minutes on the pitch before a massive Edinburgh derby.
It led to a disjointed performance, particularly in the second half where some enforced changes disrupted Hibs' play, but we found a way to win - and what an important three points they could be with Motherwell showing no signs of letting up in their hunt for fourth place.
Gray has been under scrutiny in recent weeks, but I question how deserved this really is. The cup defeat to Dunfermline followed by an awful display at Falkirk led to knives being drawn for Hibs' head coach, but those performances shouldn't be viewed in isolation.
The underlying stats show Gray is on track to achieve back-to-back top-six finishes for the first time in years for Hibs, and his win percentage puts him above most of our recent managers if you exclude seasons outside the top division.
Sometimes the football has been a tough watch, but the reverse is also true. At times under Gray we've played some great stuff, we score our fair share of goals (only the top three in the league have netted more) and for all the team have given us some huge disappointments this season, there has also been some brilliant moments.
For me, Gray is doing a good job, particularly when you look at the players that haven't been available for selection consistently this season.
I hope he can dig out another huge moment from the team tonight, where a second successive derby win would give the club a huge lift going into the last phase of the season.
The derby is a huge occasion and one Hibs fans go into with real anticipation of getting a result.
You can see how much it means to everyone at the club and the fixtures are always even affairs. Although Hearts will point to a historically good record in the fixture, in recent times there's nothing to split the teams, and we're right to fancy our chances again.
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSHibernian boss David Gray insisted his "welcoming" squad can help settle their new players in before the Edinburgh derby on Tuesday night.
With Jordan Obita, Grant Hanley and Chris Cadden all ruled out for the Tynecastle trip, and Jamie McGrath and Warren O'Hora in a race against time for fitness, the Hibs' head coach may have to rely on his winter signings.
"Ante Suto, for example, scored a last-minute winner in the [last] game," Gray said of one of his new additions. "He certainly comes in with a spring in his step, but straight away, he's right on with it.
"The players are congratulating him right after the game and that really brings that togetherness. It's something I've spoke a lot about, the togetherness within the group.
"That's the biggest compliment I can give the current group, is when new players come, how quickly they can settle because of how welcoming the boys are and how good they are when new players are coming in."
Suto was one of three deadline day signings, along with defender Munashe Garananga and right-back Felix Passlack.
"They definitely bring a freshness," Gray added. "On day one, when you walk into a new building, you're eager to try and impress. You're obviously trying to do everything the best you can, but you're also probably a bit nervous at times as well.
"The more time you get on the grass, the better. It has only been one week with some of them, but you start to see little things.
"You go over the last game and that's when the debrief becomes really important, we're talking about trying to implement the way we want to play and then trying to add that into training.
"A lot of that can go out the window in the first minute in the derby, so we'll wait and see what happens."
And, despite Hearts leading the table, Gray insisted that Edinburgh derbies are never as simple as where either team is in the league.
"League position, even the division you're in, it doesn't matter. It's the Edinburgh derby and a brilliant games to look forward to, to be involved in
"It's a massive plus for the derbies when you've got your whole support behind the goal, it really adds to the atmosphere and it's one that the players should be really looking forward to.
"You don't want to get carried away with it, you need to be calming the chaos."
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDavid Gray has been speaking to the media ahead of Hibernian's fixture against Hearts on Tuesday night.
Here are the key lines from his press conference:
Says "league position or division" means nothing when it comes to an Edinburgh derby, it's just a usual game as long as "you don't get carried away with it."
Placed emphasis on the "atmosphere" that he's expecting at Tynecastle and says it's "a massive plus for the derbies when you've got your whole support behind the goal."
In his talks with the players he says it's vital they are "calming the chaos," despite it being the derby, and that Hibs "need to be clinical."
Adds the new signings have brought "a freshness" to the group, but insists there is a "togetherness" in the squad.
Says Hearts being in the position they are in the league "doesn't happen by accident," and says that their "consistency and home form is something we're aware of."
Fine margins in the games so far this season and expects Tuesday to be no different, and thinks there will be "big moments at either end."
Jordan Obita joins Grant Hanley and Josh Mulligan on the injured list. Jamie McGrath and Warren O'Hora trained on Monday, but will see how they respond before deciding if they will play.
Image source, SNSHearts' defender Craig Halkett is suspended after his red card in the defeat by St Mirren, but Christian Borchgrevink is back training and could be available.
Stephen Kingsley continues to miss out, along with Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, Calem Nieuwenhof and Finlay Pollock.
For Hibs, Jordan Obita, Grant Hanley and Josh Mulligan will all sit out through injury.
David Gray will give Jamie McGrath and Warren O'Hora until the last minute to prove their fitness.
Image source, SNSHearts have only lost one of their last eight home games against rivals Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership (W3 D4), a 1-2 reverse in December 2024 under Neil Critchley.
Hibernian have won three of the last four Edinburgh derbies in the Scottish Premiership (L1), as many as their previous 19 top-flight meetings with Hearts beforehand (W3 D9 L7).
Heart of Midlothian are unbeaten in their last 14 home league games (W10 D4) since a 0-1 defeat to Dundee in April 2025. It's Hearts' longest unbeaten home run in the top-flight since October 2004, when they went 16 without losing – the 15th of which was a 2-1 win over rivals Hibernian.
Since Christmas Day, only Rangers (22) have earned more points in the Scottish Premiership than Hibernian (14), who have won four and lost just one of seven league games in this time (D2).
Since his debut for the club in July 2022, Hearts have only won six of the 20 league games in which Lawrence Shankland hasn't been in their starting XI (30 per cent). This is compared to a 50 per cent-win rate with the striker starting (60/119) in this period.
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Ante Suto's late winner against Dundee United brought Easter Road back to life - and might just provide the lift the club have been searching for.
For long spells on Wednesday night, though, it was a difficult watch for the home support.
Despite United only taking the lead late on, the warning signs were there throughout the second half and the Hibs defence appeared stretched whenever the ball was delivered into the box.
David Gray admitted afterwards he had concerns about the manner in which the two goals were conceded, and it was hard to argue.
Yet this Hibs side still has the ability to turn it on. When you can introduce a player like Nicky Cadden from the bench, someone capable of delivering real quality into dangerous areas, there is always a chance.
Next comes the real test. A short journey across the city to Tynecastle.
There will be no need for elaborate motivational speeches. For players and supporters alike, these fixtures define seasons. League positions are often rendered meaningless when these rivals meet.
What matters instead is who can cope best with the physical demands, the mental pressure and the emotional intensity.
These games are won by those who can impose themselves, keep their focus and remain composed when those around them lose control.
This is not a fixture for the faint-hearted. And when the dust settles, it may well be the side with the calmest heads who claim victory.
Can Hibs catch Motherwell in fourth?
Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan believes David Gray's side are primed for a "really good second part of the season" despite the departure of Kieron Bowie.
Hibs are fifth in the Premiership, four points behind Motherwell who have a game in hand, and three above Falkirk in sixth.
The Easter Road club have struggled for consistency this season and were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Dunfermline this month before being thumped by Falkirk.
However, following a flurry of late activity in the transfer window, Hibs have taken four points from the past two games, holding Rangers then beating Dundee United in a five-goal epic.
"There's no getting away from the fact that Hearts doing so well has added pressure to David Gray," Allan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"That's why going out of the Scottish Cup so early on to Dunfermline was one of the results that really would have frustrated Gray, because when you see Hearts doing so well, the fans are then looking at the cup run. Can they get to a final and give themselves a chance of a bit of silverware?"
Allan thinks the manner of victory over United on Tuesday night, when Gray's men came from 2-1 down to win 3-2 thanks to new signing Ante Suto's stoppage-time header, will stand them in good stead for the remainder of the campaign.
"You're integrating some new players, six signings have come in for Hibs," he added.
"You've lost Kieron Bowie. Jamie McGrath, who's been a real standout for Hibs this season, is injured, and so is Josh Mulligan, who also has been a real driving force in the midfield. So you're having to add players who you've signed into the fold very early on and I think that's quite difficult.
"For Hibs to get the win and in the manner they did, to score so late on with a fantastic header from Suto, they're the sort of wins that really give you something to build on.
"These last two performances, off the back of losing to Falkirk and in Dunfermline, I think it sets Hibs up for really good part of second half of the season."
Scotland defender Grant Hanley faces up to a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, ruling him out of a string of vital fixtures for Hibernian. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Ante Suto's winner for Hibs against Dundee United
Striker Ante Suto admits he had "goosebumps" before even taking to the pitch for a dream Hibs debut.
The Croatian, a deadline-day arrival Slaven Belupo, had the home fans in raptures with a 93rd-minute winner against Dundee United on Wednesday night to complete incredible late drama.
Having led through Martin Boyle's first-half strike, Hibs conceded twice late on to trail 2-1 with nine minutes left. A Ross Graham own goal restored parity before substitute Suto's superb header from a Nicky Cadden cross snatched victory.
"You could see from my celebration how much I enjoyed it," the 25-year-old told BBC Scotland.
"It's amazing. I was so excited to come here, so excited to play in front of this crowd. I couldn't dream of a better start.
"I got goosebumps just from watching. It's an amazing feeling. Just amazing.
"They [United] turned it around and started winning but we believed until the end. We showed that. I think we had a deserved win."
Although he only signed on Monday, Suso says talks initially took place last summer.
"I was in contact with the club six months ago," he added. "Again, they called me a few days ago. I was so excited back then and now also. It was an easy decision for me.
"They were fast. We got the deal done in maybe 24 hours."
Next up for Suto and Hibs is a trip to Tynecastle on Tuesday night for the Edinburgh derby - a game the striker already knows the magnitude of.
"When I was coming, I got messages from the fans. Everyone was talking about that game. I know what it means. We will give our best to win the game. It'll be a fantastic night, hopefully."
Highlights: Hibs 3-2 Dundee Utd
We asked for your thoughts as Hibs left it late to beat Dundee United 3-2 at Easter Road.
Here are some of your comments:
Ali: David Gray must go, no point in having a moan but I'll crack on anyway. Performances continue to be poor, set-up poor, approach poor and subs absolutely ridiculous. He will get away with it as a win is a win but the club needs a shake. No imagination in our play, it's so boring to watch, the pitch doesn't help mind you. We're so far behind Hearts it is stomach churning.
Aidan: There was talk in December after beating Hearts that it was a statement win, however I think coming from 2-1 down with little time left to win a game with a depleted squad is a big statement. New signings showing good early signs and they are maybe not even fully up to speed yet. Plenty reasons to be positive.
Mark: If we'd lost or drawn, that was on Gray. Taking Dane Scarlett and Dan Barlaser off and leaving Elie Youan on was ridiculous. Dundee United had done nothing all game and yet ended up ahead. A great winner from Ante Suto saved Sir David's blushes.
Billy: Another topsy-turvy display by Hibs and a nail-biting finish, definitely one for the neutral as this game swung each way until deep into stoppage time. The crowd played their part encouraging that little bit of extra effort to get this result going the right way. Miguel Chaiwa and Suto impressed me most. Onwards and hopefully upwards.
Ringo: Hibs really poor in the second half but good fightback in the end to get the win. Some goal from Suto now we can look forward to the derby. I really hope Hibs go for it, I'd love to beat them as we have nothing else to play for so a derby win is what we need and try and get fourth in the league. Scarlett had a good game, he looks the part. More to come from him I think.
Kenny: Gray's team got him out of jail with the late goals. He tried to defend a one-goal lead and it backfired. He needs to start trusting the players more. He took off Martin Boyle when he was keeping United's left side under pressure. Nicky Cadden won the game for us with time running out. We got away with this one.
Highlights: Hibs 3-2 Dundee Utd
Watch all the highlights as Hibs scored a late winner to beat Dundee United 3-2 in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK users only)
Hibernian debutant Ante Suto scored a brilliant header in stoppage time to complete a dramatic comeback win against Dundee United, whose Scottish Premiership top-six hopes were dealt a severe blow.
What did you make of Hibs' performance? Have your say.
Image source, SNSHibernian manager David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "The biggest thing is we found a way to win. That's the most pleasing thing.
"We need to use that winning feeling as a way to kick on. Delighted with that because threw the squad together, quite stretched, a few niggles.
"You have to credit Dundee United. I felt we still had the best chance of the second half with Boyley's to go 2-0. Then it was a game of set-pieces from that point.
"Extremely disappointed to lose the two goals from set-pieces - it just shows you the importance of them in any league, it's decided the game tonight.
"It's something Nicky's always had, that delivery. For Ante coming in - a dream debut for him - it was a fantastic header.
"We will get better. There's a lot of players listening to me for the first time and understanding Scottish football. It sets us up lovely going into a derby."
We asked for your thoughts on Hibernian's business in the January transfer window.
Here's what some of you said:
Scott: The three deadline day additions look to have decent pedigrees and, allowing for a relative lack of recent game time, I thought Dane Scarlett and Owen Elding looked lively and energetic. We have some tough games coming up and I hope we can get the new players integrated and up to speed quickly enough to help us push up the league and convert more of the chances being created.
Mark: Hopefully excellent signings but time will tell. Dylan Levitt and Junior Hoilett haven't been given much match time so makes sense to move them on and hopefully Thibault Klidje can get a lot of game time on his loan and come back a more confident player. Onwards and upwards for the Hibs.
Bea: I'm happy with the incomings and outgoings at Easter Road, we look to have quality in our attacking and defending options with Kai Andrews a good addition to the midfield, hopefully we now kick on.
Kenny: The boys that came off the bench on Sunday made a difference and brought some energy to the team which had been lacking. We need to wait and see what the rest are like so time will tell. I would like to know what's happening with the academy. The odd player comes through but I think we need to seriously look at that and who's running it as it's doesn't look like there's a lot happening.
Brady: Hibs' transfer window has been excellent and exciting. Hopefully new signings settle in well and help Hibs with the remainder of the season. Bit disappointed at Klidje going away on loan, especially as we only just signed him for a record amount. Overall I'm looking forward to the second half of the season and seeing our new players in action.
Tam: Looking forward to these new signings, we've been needing some hard but fair players, hopefully they'll do the business.
Image source, SNSHibernian are unbeaten in five Scottish Premiership games against Dundee United (W2 D3), their longest run over them in the top-flight since going nine without defeat from March 2006 to September 2008.
Both teams have scored in each of the last eight Scottish Premiership matches between Hibernian (16 goals) and Dundee United (14 goals) since the Tangerines won 1-0 in October 2022.
Hibernian have lost 10 of their last 14 home games played on a Wednesday in the Scottish Premiership (W4), including four of five since the 2023-24 season.
Dundee United have only won one of their last nine away league games (D5 L3), beating Livingston 3-1 in December.
Dundee United's Luca Stephenson has scored four goals in five Scottish Premiership appearances against Hibernian, including three in two this season.
Felix Passlack - a deadline-day arrival at Easter Road who is in line to make his debut against Dundee United - says his Borussia Dortmund upbringing is perfection preparation for him to thrive at Hibernian. (Daily Record)
Hibs head coach David Gray has stressed Thibault Klidje can still have a long-term future at Easter Road despite his shock deadline-day move. (The Scotsman)
Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.
Image source, SNSHibs could hand debuts to Felix Passlack, Ante Suto and Munashe Garananga while Josh Campbell returns and Miguel Chaiwa has shaken off a head knock. Grant Hanley (hamstring) drops out.
Dundee United are without the suspended Amar Fatah and Pan Camara after the club's appeal against the duo's red cards was dismissed.
New signing Emmanuel Agyei could feature. Vicko Sevelj (groin) and Isaac Pappoe (knee) miss out.
Image source, SNSThibault Klidje can have a long-term future at Hibs, insists head coach David Gray, after the club's record signing left for a loan spell at Randers.
The Danish club have an option to buy the Togo international striker, who moved to Edinburgh last summer from Luzern for a seven-figure fee.
The 24-year-old has netted four goals, with just nine of his 26 appearances coming from the start.
"I took my time with him, settling him in, culturally and everything else, and not putting too much pressure on Thibault too early," said Gray of the player who is under contract until 2028.
"He has had a few setbacks with injury and illness and game time hasn't been as regular as he would have liked probably, and for everybody involved, to be honest.
"This is a good opportunity for him to go and get a bank of games under his belt where he can be that out-and-out nine that we know he can be.
"We will keep an eye on him and at the end of the season he will come back in a much better place, I'm sure.
"When you talk about the option, that's something that is quite common, for teams to protect themselves a little bit. That has to work for everybody involved.
"But my focus for him is to come back in as good a shape as possible with confidence levels as high as he can, and that would be the aim until someone wants to do something different."
Dylan Levitt and Junior Hoilett also departed on Monday, with three new players arriving.
Right-back Felix Passlack, attacker Ante Suto and centre-back Munashe Garananga add to the earlier arrivals of Owen Elding, Dane Scarlett and Kai Andrews, while top-scorer Kieron Bowie has joined Hellas Verona for a club record fee.
"I'm really happy with where we are," said Gray, who is preparing for Wednesday's home game with Dundee United. "We have even seen that with the new additions when they came on in the Rangers game, they added an energy and freshness.
"The new additions again in the last 24 hours all trained and added to that freshness again."
