THE run of fixtures that Rangers have in December could be the making of their campaign as Steven Gerrard’s side play eight games, across three competitions, in four weeks.
The first of those was ticked off with ease at Ibrox as Hearts were beaten 5-0 and parity was restored at the top of the Premiership standings. Once again, the Old Firm are separated by the thinnest of margins.
After Celtic boosted their goal difference with a 4-1 win over Ross County earlier in the day, Rangers put a dent in it once again as Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent scored in the first half to clinch the win.
A Christophe Berra own goal that made it 3-0 summed up another wretched day for the Jambos and interim boss Austin MacPhee. It would get worse as Greg Stewart added to their woes with a late brace.
The task was always going to be considerable for Hearts and when Morelos rose well to meet a Borna Barisic cross, there was no way back after just 11 minutes. The header was clinical as the Colombian had his 25th strike of the season.
Rangers were always comfortable in the game as Hearts caused few problems and the second goal, just eight minutes before the break, sealed the victory.
A pass from Arfield split the Jambos defence and Aribo had time to pick out Kent. His third goal in two league outings duly followed as he converted from close range.
With a trip to Aberdeen to come on Wednesday night, and the Betfred Cup final against Celtic looming large on the horizon, the second half was a case of game management for Rangers.
Connor Goldson had a couple of chances as he headed wide of target before Morelos fired just over as Gerrard’s side went in search of the goals to add a deserved shine to the scoreline.
The third arrived through the unfortunate Berra as, under pressure from Morelos, he slid in and diverted a James Tavernier cross beyond keeper Joel Pereira.
That was the signal for Gerrard to start resting players as Morelos and Kent made way for Sheyi Ojo and Jermain Defoe.
Stewart soon followed as he took over from Glen Kamara and he didn’t have to wait long to get his goals as he showed endeavour and a striking nous to convert twice on the rebound from close range and round off a pleasing victory for Rangers.
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