Hearts boosted their Premiership title dream with a stirring Tynecastle comeback that all but ended Rangers championship hopes.
The home side looked lost during a poor first half in which Rangers led through a goal by Dujon Sterling and might have been further ahead.
But Hearts boss Derek McInnes made changes at half-time, most notably the introduction of Blair Spittal, to turn the game on its head.
Stephen Kingsley equalised and Lawrence Shankland drove home the winner with a top-class finish that sent the Hearts fans into raptures.
After a result that leaves Rangers seven points behind leaders Hearts with three games to go, Paul Forsyth assesses the performances of the two teams.
Lawrence Shankland shows brilliant movement and even better finishing to score the winner
HEARTS (4-4-2)
Alexander Schwolow – 7
Solid for the most part, although his failure to deal with one cross led to Aasgaard heading against the bar.
Michael Steinwender – 6
Moved about by system changes, but gave his all. Played much of the game with his head wrapped in a bandage.
Craig Halkett – 7
Showed strength and leadership throughout. His header over was Hearts’ only effort of the first half.
Stuart Findlay – 7
His misjudged clearing header led to the equaliser but he stood firm when the going was tough and got his rewards.
Stephen Kingsley – 7.5
Pushed forward to play wing-back after a half-time reshuffle, he was involved in everything. Pounced on a loose ball to grab the equaliser.
Beni Baningime – 6.5
Once he got to grips with the opponents’ numbers in midfield, he was sharp and competitive in the tackle.
Marc Leonard – 6.5
Excellent positional sense and distribution. His deep, swirling free kicks to the back post were a useful weapon.
Islam Chesnokov – 3
Drifted across the front in the early stages, sometimes as a No 10, but made zero impact. Hooked at half-time.
Alexandros Kyziridis – 6.5
Shifting from wing to wing in a poor first half, he came to life after the break, setting up the equaliser with a shot off the post.
Claudio Braga – 7
Struggled to get into the game but his hard work gradually paid off. Had one effort comfortably saved.
Lawrence Shankland – 8
Needed just one chance and boy did he take it. Brilliant movement and an even better finish put Hearts in front.
SUBSTITUTES: Spittal (Chesnokov, 46), McCart (Kyziridis, 82), Kabore (Braga, 82), Kent (Kingsley, 90), Altena (Shankland, 93). Not used: Fulton, Forrest, Kerjota, Mato.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes turned the game around with a change of shape at half-time
Derek McInnes – 7.5
Got his selection wrong, but he made the necessary changes to turn the game around.
RANGERS (4-3-3)
Jack Butland – 7
Couldn’t be blamed for either of the goals. His terrific save prevented Spittal putting Hearts further ahead.
James Tavernier – 5.5
One of his long throws, which were like corners, produced the goal, but he was posted missing for the equaliser.
Emmanuel Fernandez – 6
Increasingly stretched as the game wore on. Didn’t carry his usual threat in the opponents’ penalty area.
Nasser Djiga – 6
Strolled through the first half, but wilted under pressure. Berated by fans for laughing and joking at full-time.
Dujon Sterling celebrates putting Rangers ahead with a shot that bounced over the keeper
Dujon Sterling – 7
Comfortable at left-back until Hearts changed shape. Scored the opener, albeit with a scruffy, deflected shot.
Tochi Chukwuani – 6.5
Dominated the early stages, breaking up the play and moving the ball on efficiently. Later lost his grip of it.
Mohamed Diomande – 6.5
Making a rare start, he gave Rangers an extra midfielder. Dovetailed well with Chukwuani until the game turned.
Nico Raskin – 6.5
In a three-man midfield, he had the freedom to run beyond. Sacrificed when Rangers needed an extra striker.
Andreas Skov Olsen – 5.5
A surprise starter, he was a little more influential than usual, but he went missing in the second half and was substituted.
Mikey Moore – 6
An elusive figure in the front three, dropping short for the ball and then running with it. Promising start but fizzled out.
Youssef Chermiti – 6
Looked the part when things were going Rangers’ way, but when they weren’t, he dropped out of it.
SUBSTITUTES: Gassama (Skov Olsen, 69), Rommens (Sterling, 75), Aasgaard (Moore, 75), Naderi (Raskin, 75), Miovski (Diomande, 83) Not used: Kelly, Aarons, Barron, Antman.
Danny Rohl – 6
Set his team out well but had no answers when his opposite number changed it.
REFEREE: John Beaton – 6
