Impressed Kris Boyd claims Rangers have proven they are still up for the title fight after thrashing Hearts.
Returning Alfredo Morelos spearheaded the demolition with two goals and Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield and Fashion Salaka then added gloss to the scoreline.
The result keeps the gap at just one point following Celtic 's rout of Motherwell at Fir Park.
Former Ibrox striker Boyd gave the team a rave review after recovering from derby night defeat and slipping from top spot in the Premiership.
He told Sky Sports: "First of all, the character was questioned after Wednesday night. There was a few disappointing performances individually and collectively.
"But I thought, Rangers to come out the way they did, they got off to a perfect start.
"Then there was a little spell where they had to show character again.
"At the start of the second half, we were speaking about Hearts. They had a couple of chances, but Rangers found a way to run out comfortable winners in the end.
"They way Rangers were able to manage the game in periods, I think Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be delighted.
"I said at the top of the show, it didn't really matter what happened here, Rangers just needed to find a way to win the game of football.
"They have managed to do that with five goals against the team who is third in the table. It's a big performance.
"I think it shows Rangers ain't going to go away and they will challenge right to the end for this league title."
