How Kris Boyd’s Harsh Verdict Backfired After Rangers Silenced Hearts with a Stunning Comeback**
In a game that will be talked about all season, Rangers delivered a performance to rewrite the narrative just days after one of Scottish football’s most outspoken pundits delivered a damning verdict on the club’s title hopes.
On 15 February 2026 at Ibrox Stadium, Rangers overturned a 2-1 deficit to beat league leaders Hearts 4–2, thanks to a sensational hat-trick from Youssef Chermiti — a performance that not only thrilled fans but landed a major blow to critics who had written Rangers off in the title race. �
Sky Sports
The Build-Up: Kriticism from Kris Boyd
Before Sunday’s clash, veteran pundit Kris Boyd — known for his blunt analysis — wasn’t holding back. In the lead-up to the game he openly questioned Rangers’ defensive setup, including team selection decisions that saw young defender Nasser Djiga left out of the starting XI. Boyd hinted that these tactical choices might come back to haunt the Light Blues in a match of such magnitude — and he didn’t stop there. Boyd’s criticism stretched further back, with previous comments suggesting that Rangers’ title bid was effectively “finished” after recent slip-ups. (Source: pundit discussions leading into the match)
That set the scene perfectly for an explosive showdown — but Rangers had other ideas.
Chermiti Takes Centre Stage
What followed on the pitch was nothing short of dramatic. Hearts raced into a 2-1 lead in the first half, leaving the Ibrox faithful uneasy and critics feeling vindicated — a moment that seemed to echo Boyd’s warnings. �
Sky Sports
But then came the turnaround.
Youssef Chermiti, the £8m signing who has sometimes been under fire for inconsistency, exploded into life.
His first equaliser just before half-time sparked momentum, and his two second-half finishes — the last a clinical strike from a sweeping counter — sealed the win and silenced doubters. �
Sky Sports
Chermiti’s performance wasn’t just a match-winner — it served as a statement in itself, forcing even sceptics to reconsider his value in big games.
Fans React: Social Media Explodes
Across online fan communities, the reactions tell their own story. Some supporters admitted they once doubted Chermiti’s consistency, but conceded that “he pops up in big games,” while others joked about how he seems to save his best performances for matches against big rivals — a narrative that lends itself perfectly to clickbait content. �
There was also plenty of banter about team tactics and the shock of seeing Rangers dominate after going behind, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster felt by fans — gold for any blog post. �
The Bigger Picture: Title Race Heating Up
The victory didn’t just secure three points — it slashed the gap to Hearts at the top to just two points, breathing new life into Rangers’ title hopes and undermining pundit scepticism. Celtic’s late winner elsewhere on the same day also ensured that the three-way title fight remains thrilling. �
The Guardian
Rangers boss Danny Rohl praised Chermiti and the team’s mentality, demanding more credit for his hat-trick hero and stressing the importance of big players delivering in big moments — a line that perfectly encapsulates Sunday’s narrative shift. �
The Scottish Sun
Conclusion: What This Win Really Means
Rangers didn’t just win a game — they reclaimed a story.
From pundits claiming their title bid was over, to fans doubting key players, to a dramatic comeback that rewrote expectations — this match offers the perfect blend of controversy, redemption, and narrative twists for a blog post that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.
And as Rangers continue their push for the Premiership crown, one thing’s clear: never count them out — especially when critics like Kris Boyd are writing the script.
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