Rangers: Michael Stewart defends Hearts despite ‘comfortable’ 5-0 defeat at Ibrox
Rangers were dominant rather than Hearts being poor in their recent meeting at Ibrox, according to Michael Stewart.
The BBC Sport pundit shared the verdict after Philippe Clement’s men thrashed Steven Naismith’s side 5-0 on Saturday (24 February).
The Gers now head to Kilmarnock on Wednesday (28 February), with Hearts hosting Hibernian on the same night.
“Heart of Midlothian were on an excellent run of form before they were thoroughly turned over at Ibrox at the weekend,” Stewart told BBC Sport.
“It was, however, a showing that was more about Rangers’ dominance rather than inherent negatives surrounding Steven Naismith’s side.
“While they should not be lambasted for the comfortable defeat at the league leaders, there will be concern of a Hearts hangover given the emphatic nature of the scoreline. It will be intriguing to see how they react.”
Rangers ease past Hearts at Ibrox
It could have been a tricky clash for the Gers given the superb form that Hearts were in, but in the end it turned out to be a very straightforward victory for the hosts.
The Ibrox club were on fire from the very first whistle, blowing away their opponents with attack after attack.
It could have been even more emphatic for the Glasgow club, but Clement cannot have too many complaints given they scored five times without conceding.
Rangers are now two points clear of fierce rivals Celtic after the win, and have the chance to continue their strong momentum when they take on Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Hearts meanwhile will be doing their best to bounce back as soon as possible in their Edinburgh derby clash with Hibs.
The Jambos currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership table, where it is very much a two-horse race between Glasgow rivals Rangers and Celtic.
In other Rangers news, the Gers must hand one ace a new contract now after his four key pass masterclass versus Hearts.
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