Andy Halliday names what Rangers did better vs Hearts but what surprised him

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The international break may have come at a great time for Rangers.

They’ve been winning games recently which means they haven’t fallen any further behind the times in front of them, but the performances haven’t been brilliant.

Philippe Clement and his players will now have time to rest and then do some work on the training ground.

And when the international players return all focus will turn to Dundee United at home.

The hope will be that the wins start to become more convincing and some momentum can be built ahead of the derby on January 2.

• READ MORE:Rangers told to seal 'no-brainer' transfer for Premiership star that was 'outstanding' at Ibrox

Halliday on Rangers display vs Hearts

The Hearts game was another where Rangers got the win without turning in a vintage display.

We’ve already had two pundits clashing on it as one thought Gers played ‘really well’ in the first half but another thinking that was pushing it.

Andy Halliday was watching on with interest as a former player of both sides.

He didn’t think it was a great game overall with errors from both sides and has agreed with the assertions of some that Hearts had very good spells in the game.

But he also insists the Light Blues looked like scoring every time they went forward.

Speaking on Open Goal, he said: “I actually thought they played better stuff at times but then the final ball just broke down all the time. And see to be fair? Hearts were the same.

“It was full of errors I thought, there was a lot of turnovers. But I do agree there was parts of the game where, it felt to me, that Hearts controlled more of the second half.

“But Rangers on the counter did look like they could score every time but the final ball just broke down.”

Asked if he thinks it’s acceptable for Rangers to try to play on the counter at home, he insisted: “No, I don’t. Even though they’ve got a big result in Europe midweek, it’s not going to silence any doubters for Clement the way the game went, is it?

“10, 11th and 12th in the league is St Johnstone, Hearts and Hibs. Rangers beat them 1-0, 1-0, 2-0. Hibs could have easily got a draw at least, Hearts could have got a draw at least and the St Johnstone game was quite scrappy too.

“So the games where you feel Clement needs a result and a performance, they’re not really getting it.”

What Rangers did better vs Hearts but what was surprising

Rangers have been accused, even by the fan base at times, of being too direct in their play and too predictable.

Halliday admits he has been of that view watching the team and playing against them this season.

But he reckoned that wasn’t so much the case at Ibrox on Sunday.

He added: “I thought they built it a bit better. I thought they have been direct at times yesterday but I don’t think they were as much yesterday.

“What I do think is they were quite happy to let Hearts have the ball, which I was surprised about. I don’t think there was any intent to get the ball back quickly.

“Hearts were the better team in the second half, they were.”