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Hearts cemented their spot at top of the Scottish Premiership as two goals in four first-half minutes saw them beat Rangers 2-1 at Tynecastle on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Stuart Findlay and Lawrence Shankland helped the home side end Rangers’ eight game unbeaten league run under German head coach Danny Rohl, as they took all three points in a crucial title clash in the capital. Youssef Chermiti reduced the deficit with the final kick of the game, but it was too little too late for the visitors.
The day almost started in perfect fashion for Rangers when Bojan Miovski tapped home Emmanuel Fernandez’s header from close range. Referee Nick Walsh ruled the goal out for offside, though, following a VAR intervention - and Derek McInnes’ side never looked back as they enjoyed a mammoth victory in Gorgie.
Hearts moved provisionally nine points clear of Celtic, who were in action later on Sunday against Aberdeen, while Rangers sit in fourth and trail the league leaders by 12 points. Motherwell occupy third place, a point ahead of the Ibrox side.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each player as Hearts beat Rangers 2-1 at Tynecastle.
5. Frankie Kent (Hearts) - 6
His passing was neat and tidy, and he was able to snuff out the Rangers frontline. His mistake that saw Chermiti score late means he drops a mark, though. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers) - 6
A threat from set pieces, the much-maligned defender almost had his second goal in as many games. Looked more assured and less shaky than he has been in recent weeks early on, but buckled once Hearts upped the ante. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Stuart Findlay (Hearts) - 8
Solid defensively, he kept Miovski silent. Opened the scoring with a bullet header - his fourth league goal of the season. He's been one of the signings of the season. Must be knocking on the door for a Scotland recall if he continues this form. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Dujon Sterling (Rangers) - 6
Did well to stop two early attacks, but was left wanting when Hearts started to pile on the pressure. Struggled with the movement and energy of Braga. | SNS Group