Rangers TV pundits delighted by attacking work of Ryan Kent in win over Hibernian
Ryan Kent’s attacking movement had the Rangers TV pundits filled with praise after the Hibs win last night, as he tormented the away side’s defenders.
The winger won a penalty early on which lead to the opening goal, should have been awarded a second in the first half, and generally scared the life out of the away side’s players throughout the 2-0 victory.
His ability to change direction particularly stood out in the second half, as defenders didn’t dare to dive in while he went in search of the goal that would have topped off his night.
On the RangersTV match broadcast, former Gers full-back Alan Hutton said of one particular second-half sequence afterwards: “He cuts back inside. It’s so difficult to stop as a defender when your weight’s going the wrong way. He does everything right.
“You can see by his expression there he’s desperate for a goal, he wants to add numbers, and he will with performances like this and the Hearts one”.
Ex-Light Blues midfielder Alex Rae, sitting alongside him, said: “The little chop to send [Ryan] Porteous for a pie there was tremendous. Just chop back on his right hand side… Inside, outside, he’s been very impressive.”
Great form
The sharpness and the threatening intent of the 25-year-old Englishman set the tone for the match.
He was brought down by Paul McGinn inside five minutes to win a penalty, which James Tavernier scored to put Rangers ahead.
The home side was fairly comfortable from then on so it was crucial that their star winger had prevented any tension from building up from early on.
He was pushed over inside the area by Chris Cadden later in the opening half, but Nick Walsh ignored what should have probably been another spot kick.
Thereafter the visiting back line knew better than to attempt to stop him directly and were left to try to block his shots and crosses where possible.
Kent’s ability to change direction at Ibrox last night was Eden Hazard-esque at times, and he was ultimately unlucky not to score himself.
But after an uncomfortable start to 2022 on a personal and collective level, he seems to be hitting top form again after the consecutive victories over either side of Edinburgh which has played a large part in the team’s success.
In other Rangers news, the two pundits were outraged at the referee’s decision in the first half.