EVERYTHING you needed to know about the Hearts vs Rangers was condensed into the opening 13 minutes of the game.

Hearts threw everything at the champions, their intensity and endeavour showed precisely why they are clearly the third best team in the country. Rangers rode their luck at times, but were utterly ruthless in building a two goal lead that endured for the 90 minutes.

In future, Gio’s men will need to be more effective on the ball. On another day, some of the slackness would have been punished but to leave Tynecastle with “the zero” was impressive nonetheless.

As the halfway point approaches in the chaotic December, the challenges are being ticked off at breakneck speed. To leave Easter Road and Tynecastle with six points and two clean sheets in ten days may even have been beyond the expectations of the most optimistic Rangers fans. The players are now rewarded with a run of three relatively straightforward home fixtures in comparison to the recent run.

The attacking nature of the side fielded on Sunday was eye-catching. Scott Arfield’s inclusion ahead of Steven Davis has been a hallmark of Van Bronckhorst’s early games, but to go with the more attacking player in such a game perhaps showed Gio’s natural instinct.

That theory is supported by the inclusion of Fashion Sakala, most games have included a bit more balance with the slower but creative Hagi. To start with the ferocity of both Sakala and Ryan Kent showed real intent which worked. Fashion’s performance showed it is now his jersey to lose.

Sakala’s start at Ibrox was admittedly patchy. After a sparkling first pre-season showing during the glamour visit of Real Madrid, he spent large parts of the early season on the bench. His fleeting appearances went without a great deal of incident and the Zambian looked at odds with the robust nature of Scottish football.

READ MORE: Fashion Sakala's 90-minute Rangers explosion 

As the season has progressed, so has his presence within the team. The hat-trick at Fir Park will always be pinpointed as his announcement.

Since then, his appearances have become more regular. His attitude is infectious and with each week he seems to be adding something else to his game.

In a game where the hosts were allowed to control large periods of possession, Sakala was a great out-ball and his growing confidence was evident. It was on show in the home win against Dundee, but his ability to take a player on and beat them was absolutely pivotal in creating the opening goal. The defending from Devlin was weak but it takes a confident player with a burst of speed to force the situation and that is exactly what Sakala is growing into.

The rawness remains in his game. In between either goal, Sakala had the first chance to double the lead and should have hit the target. Throughout the season he has fluffed chances which required a bit of calmness.

At times, his off the ball runs could also be a bit sharper and smarter. He looks likely to occupy the wide right position in most of his appearances, being able to anticipate passes and cut in behind the left-back will assist his game greatly.

Despite this, Sakala’s positives are hugely encouraging. He has one thought on his mind as the ball comes to him, and his relentless positivity on and off the pitch is refreshing. I am as happy watching Fashion Jnr eagerly advancing against a defender as I am watching him arrive in the press conference room to face questions.

The rawness of parts of his game just scream potential. At the age of 24 and just 5 months into his first season at the club, Sakala can be moulded into a top player. The assets are there: the blistering pace, the eye for goal, the athleticism in the air, and the undeniable positivity. This season can blossom into a very successful one for him, but next season could be the evolution into a star man for the team.

The forward's journey shows the absolute necessity for patience that is required with new signings that some players do not receive. The pressure and requirement to win every game by any means is an alien concept to the vast majority of players who arrive at the club. Some take to the initial buzz very easily then fade out as the intensity of the full season becomes apparent, whereas others look overawed by the idea to begin with but grow into the expectations they carry into games.

READ MORE: Rangers' On-Ball Value: Killer new stat reveals 'gigantic' impact amid Morelos' woes

Very players have a smooth transition into the Rangers jersey and never look back. Barisic’s first season was poor compared to his performances since; Aribo has gone through the levels each season as he understands what it takes at this club; the first few months of Ryan Kent’s loan spell were ropey in comparison to the form that won him a permanent move to the club.

Notable exceptions go to Glen Kamara and Alfredo Morelos who look as comfortable in a Rangers shirt today as they did on their debuts. From Dundee and Finland to entirely different environments, their class has been on show from day one.

Fashion Sakala certainly falls into the first category of players and his team are starting to reap the reward. Like the vast majority of the squad, he was signed by Gerrard but the change in manager does not appear to have impacted his enthusiasm.

Gio’s tactics look perfect to allow Fashion to blossom and good luck to the full-backs that have to compete with his pace. A full flow Sakala could be a pivotal option to the team in firing Rangers to the title.