Hearts took a giant step towards a first Scottish Premiership title in 66 years with a 2-1 comeback victory over Rangers at Tynecastle. Lawrence Shankland's second-half winner sent the Edinburgh club seven points clear of Rangers, with a three-point buffer over Celtic with three games remaining.
Rangers dominated the first half and took the lead through Dujon Sterling's deflected effort after James Tavernier's long throw was flicked on. However, Hearts manager Derek McInnes, who admitted he was 'annoyed', made a tactical switch at half-time, introducing Blair Spittal. The change paid off as Stephen Kingsley equalised early in the second half, slotting home after Alexandros Kyziridis hit the post.
The game turned dramatically when Shankland pounced on a deflected cross from Kingsley, firing a superb first-time shot past Jack Butland. Rangers pressed for an equaliser, with Thelo Aasgaard hitting the crossbar, but Hearts held firm. 'We are in a very difficult situation,' said Rangers manager Danny Röhl.
Hearts remain unbeaten at home in the league this season, and the victory keeps them firmly in control of the title race. McInnes praised his side's second-half response: 'If we play in the manner of that second half then we are difficult to stop.'
