Rangers cut gap as Chermiti hits hat-trick v Hearts
Rohl’s attacking blueprint v Hearts worked, with Skov Olsen assisting and Chermiti hitting a hat-trick. Gassama and Moore impressed, leaving Thelo Aasgaard out as the setup reduces need for a No 10.
Chermiti, criticised since an £8m move, delivers in key games: double at Celtic Park then a first career hat-trick v Hearts to keep Rangers’ title push alive.
Post-split, Rangers must visit both Hearts and Celtic and face a third away trip to Motherwell, Hibs or Falkirk to balance fixtures, handing Rohl a tougher run-in than title rivals.
RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande says he rejected trials at Rangers, Chelsea and Bournemouth to join Leganés for game time, stressing patience over money as interest and a reported €80-90m tag grow.
U19s coach Ross leaves Rangers for a Southampton academy role. Malky Thomson steps in for the Motherwell CAS Elite League Cup tie, with an interim appointment due soon.
Chermiti hits first career hat-trick as Rangers beat Hearts 4-2 at Ibrox. Leonard and Braga twice put leaders ahead, Steinwender OG and Chermiti’s 39', 57', 90' turn it round to cut gap to 2 points.
Youssef Chermiti’s hat-trick v Hearts, after his brace v Celtic, is vindicating Kevin Thelwell’s £8m call despite his sacking, as the striker emerges as a big-game focal point under Danny Rohl.
Tochi Chukwuani anchors Rohl’s side, winning 80% of ground duels in the 4-2 win over Hearts. His physicality and positioning free Raskin and the wingers, with Barron’s return set to shape the double pivot.
Ryan Stevenson expects McInnes to stress Hearts stay top despite 4-2 loss at Ibrox. Chermiti’s treble cuts lead to 2 points with 11 games left, boosting Rangers’ momentum.
Tavernier benched then on as sub, celebrates with Chermiti after Rangers’ 4-2 win over Hearts, pushing the hat-trick hero to the Copland to salute fans, signalling improved dressing-room mood.
James McFadden says Hearts’ Findlay ‘heads it onto his hand’ and Rangers should have had a penalty, but Chermiti’s hat-trick seals 4-2 win to keep title bid on track.
Rohl hails Rangers’ mentality after 4-2 over Hearts, praises Chermiti’s treble and explains rotation for intensity across two games. Win trims Hearts’ lead to 2 points with 11 to play.
Player ratings: Chermiti 9 with hat-trick, Naderi 8 impresses, Skov Olsen assists, Moore lively. Fernandez error for opener. For Hearts, Leonard and Braga shine, Steinwender own goal proves costly.
