Hearts extend lead at the top after statement win over Rangers | OneFootball

Hearts delivered another statement in the Scottish Premiership title race by ending Rangers’ year-long unbeaten away league run with a rousing victory at Tynecastle.

First-half goals from Stuart Findlay and Lawrence Shankland proved enough, despite a late Youssef Chermiti consolation.

Rangers had opportunities early on, with Bojan Miovski seeing a goal ruled out for offside and Nicolas Raskin heading over from close range, but Hearts grew into the contest and made their pressure count. Findlay opened the scoring from a well-worked corner, rising highest to power home Alexandros Kyziridis’ cross.

The hosts struck again before the break as Shankland punished hesitation at the near post, drilling a low effort beyond Jack Butland to double the lead and send Tynecastle into full voice.

Hearts remained the more assured side after the interval and could have added a third, while Rangers struggled to find fluency. Youssef Chermiti pounced on a late defensive error to pull one back in stoppage time, but it came far too late to change the outcome.

The win moves Hearts nine points clear at the top and leaves Rangers 12 points adrift, reinforcing the growing belief that Derek McInnes’ side are genuine title contenders.