Once again displaying a ruthless streak, Rangers were clinical early on in this contest, as they had the measure of current Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts within the first fifteen minutes.
Ryan Kent put the home side ahead after three minutes, then Alfredo Morelos made it two goals to nil ten minutes later. Scott Arfield finished the first half hammering, scoring the 'Gers' third in the thirty second minute of the match.
Thanks to this stunning first half performance, leaders Hearts had a mountain to climb after the interval, which was only made even more difficult with the dismissal of Michael Smith, just seven minutes into the second period. Hearts did pull a goal back with nearly 30 minutes left to play, but with the visitors a man down, the result was only going one way; to Rangers.
October 7, 2018
Hearts, who had made their best start to a season since the 2005/06 campaign, had no answer to the assertiveness and confidence of Gerrard's Rangers, who had picked up where they left off in beating Rapid Vienna in the Europa League this past Thursday.
And Rangers continue their dominance at home, with this match marking their 10th consecutive unbeaten at Ibrox so far this season.
In keeping with the high quality level of performance, Gerrard opted to stick with the same side that had emerged victorious in midweek.
This decision proved to be fruitful, as the home side flew out of the traps, never once looking as though they believed that their opponents, League leaders hearts, could neither trouble them nor challenge them for the three points.
October 7, 2018
Speaking after the game, Rangers boss Gerrard was in raptures over his side's recent form, saying: "“I’m delighted. I thought my players were absolutely brilliant again for the majority of that game.I think the last four days we’ve had two fantastic results and two top performances.
He continued: "The challenge for us now is can we go and replicate that on the road, and that starts with Hamilton when we come back."
Asked by the media if his team are title challengers in Scotland this season, Gerrard said: "“I think it’s a bit early to say it is just yet, but we are certainly showing the right signs because teams are coming here, different types of teams, and we’re matching them . Physically we’re competing with them and if they want to have a war with us we’re having a war and the lads are also showing incredible quality on the ball."