It perhaps should have been more comfortable for Hearts at Tannadice but they fully deserved all three points.
Goals from Liam Boyce and ARmand Gnanduillet saw of Dundee United, who eventually made a game of it in the second half.
Craig Gordon made four saves you'd expect him to make, but he was just as responsible for the win as the two strikers at the other end of the pitch.
Here's how Robbie Neilson's men rated out of ten.
Craig Gordon: Spectator for the first half, save sin the second ensured Hearts won the game. 8
John Souttar: Solid throughout and built most of Hearts; attacks. 7
Craig Halkett: Dominant in the air and strong against United's forwards. 7
Alex Cochrane: Looked assured both as part of the back three and at left wing back. 7
Michael Smith: Got into some great positions but his crossing was poor. 6
Peter Haring: A really good game in the middle but should have scored with two headers. 7
Beni Baningime: As busy and industrious as ever but a bit careless in possession more than once. 7
Andy Halliday: Worked hard but some poor crosses before limping off. 6
Ben Woodburn: Looked lively with good energy before injury forced him off. 7
Gary Mackay-Steven: Did well to win the penalty but a mixed bag otherwise. 6
Liam Boyce: Enjoyed some good fortune with the penalty but a clever display up front. 7
Subs
Josh Ginnelly: Made a real difference after coming on with an important assist. 6
Armand Gnanduillet: Wasn't really involved until he popped up with vital second goal. 6
Taylor Moore: Wasn't on for long but was a calming influence at a crucial time. 5
