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Rangers player ratings v Hearts: Alfredo Morelos in woeful 4/10, Fashion Sakala shines at 8/10
Hearts scored a late equaliser to stop Rangers from securing their fourth successive Scottish Premiership victory at Ibrox on Wednesday night [24 May].
The Gers fell behind inside the first minute when Lawrence Shankland took advantage of some poor Rangers defending from a throw-in to notch his 25th goal for the campaign.
Rangers fought back brilliantly through Todd Cantwell’s individual strike before half-time. And the winner came through Fashion Sakala who latched on to some slack Hearts defending, scoring his 11th of the campaign, albeit fortuitously.
However, Hearts fought back with just seconds left on the clock when youngster Garang Kuol again latched on to some poor Rangers defending.
Here, Ibrox News rates the players out of ten for their performances at Ibrox on Wednesday evening.
Allan McGregor – 6
Nothing he could do for the Hearts opener, and had his defenders to blame for their poor defending from a long throw. Simply tried to ensure he will not allow his last Ibrox appearance to be a whimper but didn’t have anything to do for the rest of the match as Hearts simply failed to build on their good start. A true Rangers legend and a goalkeeper who will be remembered for a long time on these shores. A truly magnificent servant.
James Tavernier – 5
Heavily criticised by Sky Sports commentator Andy Walker for his poor attempt at a cross in the first half and rightly so given the tremendous qualities he possesses when creating chances for Rangers. An Ibrox icon in his own right and with the Gers set to announce his potential long-term replacement, the 31-year-old arguably still has much to prove to ensure he is still Beale’s number-one right-back pick.
John Souttar – 5
Just what he and King were doing for the Hearts goal is beyond Beale and such lapses in concentration are why the Rangers manager is adamant he will be strengthening his centre-back options this summer. Souttar is certainly a terrific outlet on the ball as evidenced by his 94% pass accuracy but his defensive concentration and positioning continue to be a problem for Beale.
Leon King – 5
With the youngster looking to impress Beale ahead of a huge summer for Rangers, he will be mightily disappointed at the conceding of Hearts’ opener. He was simply nowhere to be seen as Shackland roamed free and headed them in front. Grew into the game as it wore on but simply needs to be more convincing and assured with his performances if he is to stake a claim next season.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 5
Yilmaz has built on his Old Firm display and is looking more comfortable in a Gers jersey. However, he should’ve been slightly more adventurous with the Hearts full-back Atkinson struggling up against Sakala. Delivery was slightly inconsistent yet again.
John Lundstram – 6
Much like Raskin, Lundstram didn’t need to get out of first gear and was largely comfortable. Hearts were beyond woeful for large parts of the game, and it allowed for Raskin and Lundstram to dictate play as well as breaking it up when they needed to. May not be amongst the most flashy of Rangers players, but he will, once again, be crucial next season.
Glen Kamara – 5
Looks set to leave Ibrox this summer after making his first start since February and certainly showed why Beale no longer looks to him to lead from the midfield for Rangers. Holds some unique qualities in possession but was simply outclassed by his midfield partner Raskin. The Finnish international will be disappointed by this showing, although he did win six of his duels and successfully completed 91% of his passes [SofaScore], but Beale will have wanted more.
Nicolas Raskin – 7
Consistently proves why Beale picks him every week and that’s down to his superb composure, progressive passing and tenacious edge off the ball. Was again at the heart of everything good about Rangers against the Tynecastle side with his slick passing, vision and midfield endeavour. A crucial component in this Rangers team and will be one of Beale’s MVPs for the long haul.
Todd Cantwell – 7
Took his equalising goal brilliantly, at a time when Rangers desperately needed it, just before half-time. Is proving week-in and week out why he will be one of Rangers’ most dynamic and pivotal players for the long haul. A superb outlet in-behind the Rangers attack simply due to his unique link-play, wonderful technique and unpredictable movement. May not have been his best performance in a Gers shirt, but he contributed when it mattered. How Rangers have needed that kind of player for so long.
Fashion Sakala – 8
A truly brilliant player and very much worth his weight in gold through another thrilling and inspired performance in attack. Just when Rangers needed him to provide the attacking spark, he simply came up trumps through his energetic, rampant and lightning endeavour. Proved an absolute nightmare for Hearts right-back Nathaniel Atkinson and his goal was very much deserved which came through his tremendous tenacity on a loose ball and never-say-die attitude. Given the best SofaScore rating of any player on the pitch at 7.7/10 Ibrox News will reward him with such also. Brilliant player.
Alfredo Morelos – 4
He knows his Ibrox career is ending this summer but yet is still embroiled in a moment of madness with Hearts manager Steven Naismith with the Colombian attempting to square up to him only to be held back by his teammates. It is yet another worrying rendition of his controversial Rangers career and was largely anonymous throughout the whole game when his attacking teammates Cantwell and Sakala shone. Expressed his usual frustrated antics when he missed a chance late in the second half
Substitutes
Scott Arfield (on for Kamara, 65′) – 5
Rabbi Matondo (on for King, 65′) – 5
Scott Wright (on for Morelos, 80′) – N/A
Ryan Jack (on for Raskin, 80′) – N/A
In other Rangers news, Sky Sports journalist Andrew Dickson gives his take after Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent depart Ibrox.