Rangers: 3/10 Borna Barisic stinks out Ibrox, 9/10 Todd Cantwell sparkles – Player ratings v Hibernian
Rangers strolled to a 3-1 win against Hibernian at Ibrox to leapfrog Celtic back to the top of the SPFL thanks to goals from James Tavernier, Cyriel Dessers and Rabbi Matondo.
In an end-to-end first half, it was Tavernier who handed his team the lead despite missing a penalty just minutes before.
Myziane Maolida danced through the defence to equalise, before a Dessers goal sent the Gers ahead going into half-time.
In the second half, Rangers continued to dominate possession but lacked that finishing touch before Matondo curled one home from the edge of the box, they held their nerve and secured what was ultimately a solid win.
Rangers player ratings v Hibernian at Ibrox
Ibrox News has rated each Rangers player out of ten below…
Jack Butland – 6
Proved once again why he remains in with a strong start of receiving an England call-up for the European Championships as he looked very solid whenever he was called upon – although the only shot on target resulted in a goal.
Perhaps he could have done better for the goal shortly before half-time as his attempt to pounce on the ball saw him stranded as Maolida poked it home – although the blame should rest more on the defenders than the keeper.
James Tavernier – 8
His effort from the penalty spot was uncharacteristically poor, trying to send the goalkeeper the wrong way before going down the middle, but he stood strong.
However, he made up for the miss just minutes later as he fired home the opening goal of the game. As always, his overlapping runs and presence going forward proved key to the victory.
Connor Goldson – 7
Sent to the shops as he dived in to challenge Maolida for Hibs’ equaliser but completely missed the man and the ball, leaving him helpless to prevent the equalising goal.
Aside from that panicked moment, it was a very solid performance at the back as he stood strong against everything Hibs tried to throw at him.
John Souttar – 7
The better of the two centre-backs with his dominance in the air crucial to preventing Hibs from providing any real threat in the second half, as well as winning the penalty despite the controversy surrounding the VAR decision. A truly emphatic defensive display.
Borna Barisic – 3
It has been a season to forget overall for Barisic, but it would now be safe to say Ridvan Yilmaz has overtaken him as the first-choice left-back.
He provided some threat on the overlap, but his relentless crossing into the box failed to do any damage. Found himself booked and dragged off after 67 minutes, with another potential injury.
John Lundstram – 8
Amid heavy rumours about a possible exit from Ibrox, he proved once again why Rangers are so keen to tie him down to a new contract. He was dominant in midfield yet again both going forwards and defensively.
Provided an unexpected attacking threat throughout.
Mohamed Diomande – 7
Slightly less impressive than his midfield partner as the end-to-end nature of the game didn’t particularly suit him. However, he was able to relieve pressure when called upon, winning fouls and breaking up play in the middle.
Todd Cantwell – 9
Cantwell showed Rangers exactly what they had been missing while he was injured. Most of their play went through him as he floated through the midfield in his typical style, and it was a terrific ball into the box which saw Dessers score their second goal of the game.
Scott Wright – 3
Was unlucky not to find the opening goal of the game after his rebound from the missed penalty was controversially disallowed for encroachment. Taken off after just 58 minutes after making barely any impact on the game.
Fabio Silva – 5
Had very little impact on the game overall as he struggled to make the most of the attacking threat he has shown from the left-hand side in recent weeks. Taken off after 79 minutes.
Cyriel Dessers – 7
It was his goal that sent Rangers into half-time one goal up, and he arguably should have had more with the chances that fell to him through the game. His inconsistencies in front of goal were clear again, but a crucial goal means luckily it doesn’t matter.
Subs
Dujon Sterling – 7
Tom Lawrence – 7
Ross McCausland – 6
Rabbi Matondo – 8
Abdallah Sima – 6
In other Rangers news, Chris Jack has shared a Scott Wright transfer update.
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