Hearts' unbeaten run was brought to an abrupt end as Rangers ran out big winners in the capital.
In truth, the away side never looked in doubt from the off as they ran riot at Tynecastle with three goals and it could have been much worse with a number of goals ruled offside and Zander Clark called upon on more than one occasion. Robbie Neilson's men went into this one in the best possible shape confidence wise but they simply didn't show up as Michael Beale and his troops showed their class.
Alfredo Morelos' double and Malik Tillman's effort secured all three points for the visitors as the hosts were left disappointed. The second half was a vast improvement from the opening 45 minutes but even at that, it was a poor overall display. The one positive is the cushion they have in third spot over the chasing pack with the games coming thick and fast as Dundee United make the trip to Gorgie on Saturday with the home side looking to immediately bounce back. Here's three things we learned from Hearts' defeat to Rangers.
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Unbeaten run over
Hearts went into this one ten games unbeaten but that run has come to an end.
In truth, Rangers started bright from the off and never looked in danger in the capital.
Numerous offside goals and two first half strikes from Alfredo Morelos and Malik TIllman plus a number of great Zander Clark saves put the game beyond doubt before the Colombian added to his tally in the second half.
One positive for the Jambos is that cushion they hold over the chasing pack in the race for third.
Kuol watch
It was a first start for the highly-rated Australia international for Hearts and what an occasion.
He made a real impact from the bench at Livingston and really should have burst the net within minutes in that one.
He's one the Hearts fans will want to see more of between now and the summer.
A tough shift today. Caught in possession a couple of times and not really in the game. Subbed at half-time.
Tactics wrong
Robbie Neilson made a bold pre-match selection with plenty of attacking options on the pitch.
Barrie McKay, Garang Kuol, Lawrence Shankland and Josh Ginnelly all started at Tynecastle.
However, it wasn't a risk that paid off with the hosts hardly laying a glove and suffering at the other end.
Rangers looked right on top at every turnover of possession. A totally dominant away display.
Back to the drawing board for Neilson and Co with Dundee United visiting Gorgie this weekend.
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