Rangers put in a tremendous five star showing to down Hearts at Ibrox and open up an unprecedented five point gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
The Gers have laid down a title marker with a sweeping 5-0 victory over Scotland’s third force, abruptly ending the Jambos run of nine wins in their last ten matches.
Goals for Mohamed Diomande, Oscar Cortes, Cyriel Dessers (two), and Fabio Silva were more than enough to smash Hearts as Rangers fans were wowed in Govan.
As a result Rangers have opened up a five point gap over Old Firm rivals Celtic – who travel to Motherwell tomorrow afternoon – at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
In a remarkable turn of events at Ibrox, the score line in many ways flattered Rangers who were in complete control against Hearts and who might’ve scored even more.
Rangers purr in Hearts demolition job
Rangers set their stall out from the first whistle in a purring display against Hearts, with Mohamed Diomande netting in only the second minute of the game.
The long-range effort was the Ivorian’s second goal in a Rangers jersey, and his second opener in a row, as the club’s January signings all ended up on the scoresheet.
Rangers never relented in an extraordinary first-half display, with Oscar Cortes curling a second and his first for the club past a helpless Zander Clark eight minutes from half-time.
Cyriel Dessers – who might well have had a first-half hat-trick – then made it 3-0 before the restart by side-footing a John Souttar cross into the net.
The Nigerian Nightmare added a second – and Rangers’ fourth – just minutes after the restart before Fabio Silva rounded off the scoring by slotting home with 65 minutes on the clock.
Ibrox side send Scottish Premiership message
From the first whistle this was a Rangers performance of intent, purpose, and flair as a form Hearts side were ruthlessly dismantled at Ibrox.
In one of the most dominant displays of Philippe Clement’s Ibrox tenure to date, the stunning result sends a message to the rest of the division surrounding this Gers team.
Heaping the pressure on Old Firm rivals Celtic in the process, it’s clear Rangers are laser-focused on on the lifting the top prizes this season and teams will do well to stop them.
There’s still a long way to go until the League medals are handed out in May, but if ever there could be a statement win in February, this was it.
