Last updated on .From the section Scottish Premiership

Rangers displayed their ruthless streak as they inflicted Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts' first defeat in 13 games this season.

Steven Gerrard's side, who move up to sixth place in the division, were ahead after three minutes through Ryan Kent.

Hearts' defence was breached again before the break, as Alfredo Morelos and Scott Arfield scored.

Michael Smith was sent off for the visitors after the break, before Jimmy Dunne pulled a goal back with a header.

Hearts had made their best start to a season since 2005/06, but had no answer to the confidence and assertiveness of a Rangers team that picked up where they left off in defeating Rapid Vienna in the Europa League group stage on Thursday.

Rangers continue to be commanding at home, with the win over Hearts being their 10th game unbeaten at Ibrox this season in all competitions.

Gerrard sticks to winning formula

Rangers delivered their "best 90 minutes" against Rapid, according to Gerrard, so there was little surprise that the manager opted to start with the same XI.

The consistency of selection was quickly rewarded, as Hearts were swamped in the early stages by the home side's assurance and attacking thrust. The visiting defence was certainly befuddled enough in the opening minutes to be caught out glaringly by a free-kick.

As the ball was swung into the Hearts penalty area, the visiting defence stepped out to play offside, but the movement wasn't co-ordinated enough. A lingering Uche Ikpeazu played the Rangers attackers onside, allowing Morelos to push the ball to Kent, who nudged the ball into an unguarded net.

Ibrox had reverberated in midweek as Rangers came from behind to win and that sense of urgency continued to shape this encounter. The home side were eager to assert superiority against a Hearts side that started the weekend five points clear at the top of the table.

Built around the power and athleticism of summer signings such as Ikpeazu and Peter Haring, Hearts have found their worth in wearing opponents down, and Rangers had to be resilient at times. Twice, Allan McGregor maintained the home side's one-goal advantage, the goalkeeper saving from Steven Naismith and then Ikpeazu.

Hearts were not so sure-footed in defence, though, and Demetri Mitchell was robbed of possession by Daniel Candeias before the winger crossed for Morelos to score with a back-heel flick. The Rangers players had combined in midweek for the third goal against Rapid and this was another slick move.

Ikpeazu appealed forlornly for a penalty after slumping to the ground inside the area, but there was little resistance from the visitors.

Rangers stretched their advantage when Morelos headed down James Tavernier's cross and Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal pushed the ball out to Arfield, who converted from close range.

The second half was less breathless, although Smith would have benefited from a moment of composure. Having been booked in the first-half for a foul on Ovie Ejaria, the defender body-checked Jon Flanagan and was shown a second yellow card by referee John Beaton.

Dunne pulled a goal back for the visitors with a header, but by then the game was lost.

Premiership leaders Hearts suffered their first defeat of the season

'Rangers are a force in the title race' - analysis

BBC Scotland's Rob McLean

Gerrard talked about making a statement and Rangers very much made a statement on Sunday. It could have been worse for Hearts - and credit to them for sticking at it - but they made mistakes in the first half and Rangers blew them away.

Morelos scored absolutely outrageously. He could have just gone for a tap in but chose to dance over the ball, and backheel it into the roof of the net. It just shows the confidence running through him at the moment.

Rangers' domestic form has been patchy but it's an inexperienced team coming together and getting better every week. They are a force in this title race, there is no doubt about that.

'We were brilliant again' - reaction

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard: "I thought my players were brilliant again for the majority of the game. We got a little bit sloppy towards the end but that's understandable.

"In the last four days, two fantastic results, and two top performances. The challenge for us now is can we go and replicate that on the road."

Hearts manager Craig Levein: "If we didn't gift Rangers the first two goals I think the stats say we were in the game. That included 34 or 40 minutes with 10 men.

"I'd like that game again, in all honestly, because I think it would have been a different outcome."