Hearts better Rangers but draw - plenty of standout performers

Steven Naismith's men put in a strong display with plenty of energy and really made their visitors work for their point.

While Zander Clark had three key saves - two from distance - Hearts tested Jack Butland in either half and within a strong collective offering there were some brilliant individual performances. 

This is Hearts

Let's put the result to one side for a second, this was the type of football Hearts fans want to see at Tynecastle Park. There was a strong start with Kenneth Vargas setting the tempo with his energy in attack. Hearts were up and at 'em. How up and at 'em? Barrie McKay had made more challenges than anyone else. They didn't give Rangers a second and could have gone ahead through James Penrice and Lawrence Shankland. The former was denied by Jack Butland, the latter a block. More than anything it was the purpose, the tempo, the bravery, the desire, the intangibles that are impossible to measure but clear to see. It lasted throughout. As the clock ticked toward the 70th minute there was a break in play as Grant received treatment. Steven Naismith roared with encouragement, pumping his arms out in front of him. This is the Hearts he wanted to say. He went around the players geeing them up, issuing instructions. The performance resonated with the crowd, they demonstrated their appreciation. It is the first game of the season, but there was great encouragement to take from the game.

Midfield step up

Steven Naismith had tried hard to get Malachi Boateng in the door ahead of the Rangers game with a view to getting him ready to make his debut and perhaps a start with Beni Baningime and Calem Nieuwenhof out injured. There is no natural No.6 without any of those. There was plenty of discussion about who and how many would play in the centre of the pitch. Cammy Devlin and Jorge Grant were chosen and were fantastic. Fans questioned Devlin playing such a deep role in such a role. He likes to play on the edge, Hearts needed control. One moment aside, around the half-hour mark, he was spotless with his tackling, his closing down, his everything. His energy was perfect for the midfield. He did put a few hearts in mouths with some passing decisions in stoppage time. Then there was Grant. His was an understated but vital role. A steady presence in the first-half his importance in a defensive sense came to the fore after the break. On a number of occasions, he stole the ball off a Rangers foot or made a crucial intervention around the edge of the box. Two mature, assured performances in front of a brilliant display from the back four.

Vargas the bully

There is real excitement surrounding Kenneth Vargas, internally and externally. After signing a five-year deal and getting a good opening campaign in Scottish football under his belt there is a belief he can kick on and become an even more influential player for the team. On this display that looks like coming to fruition. Playing through the middle allows him to expose teams over the top or for him to drift wide and attack open spaces. He did both against Rangers. More than that he bullied the John Souttar and Ben Davies partnership.

Gerald Taylor

Whichever member of the club's recruitment staff highlighted Gerald Taylor in the club's recruitment meetings deserves the employee of the month — a voucher for the club shop and their picture framed in the corridors of the Oriam. Hearts have a gem on their hands. Someone you will hear described as a "proper player". He gave a glimpse of his talent in the friendly with Tottenham Hotspur. This afternoon at Tynecastle Park confirmed to all Hearts, he is a real talent. Oscar Cortes never got the better of him, the Costa Rican timing his challenges perfectly and using his strength to get his body between man and ball. In fact, Cortes had a nightmare afternoon. On the ball, he was a revelation. Charging forward with the force of destruction of an avalanche. Only with control. Then there were his throw-ins. It is an added weapon for the team, he has the ability to hurl the ball a distance. In short, he is a perfect Hearts player. Aggressive, strong, direct. It also helps he is hugely talented.

Zander, Zander Clark

One of the areas of debate leading into the game was who would start between the sticks. Zander Clark got the nod ahead of Craig Gordon and delivered. His first test was a low shot from Connor Barron in the 19th minute. He got down really well to his left and tipped it around the post. His next bit of action was to stay strong to beat away a Cyriel Dessers effort. He also did well dealing with balls from wide. One in particular saw him claim a high cross despite being surrounded by a number of bodies. In the second half, he was quieter but produced a wonderful stop to deny Tom Lawrence from long range.