Hearts manager Craig Levein was left to rue his side’s profligacy as they slipped to a first defeat to Hibs at Tynecastle since May 2013.
Olly Lee struck the woodwork and fired narrowly wide of the post in the first period, while Arnaud Djoum missed a golden opportunity and Jake Mulraney was denied by the legs of Ofir Marciano
He said: “I was pleased with the performance overall. We just didn’t score the opportunities to put the game to bed. We have played a hell of a lot worse in recent derby matches and won.
“There was an inability to be clinical in the penalty box and it has ultimately cost us the game.”
The full-time whistle was met by widespread jeers and even some seething supporters demanding Levein step down.
He added: “When we lose a derby match nobody hurts more than I do. I understand the nature of it and the players understand the nature of it as well.
“There isn’t anyone in the Hearts dressing room who doesn’t feel the same anger and frustration that supporters feel.”