Tom Lawrence dazzles, John Souttar flops – Rangers player ratings v Hibernian
Rangers hung on at Ibrox to dig out a 1-0 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, courtesy of a terrific first-half strike from Tom Lawrence.
It was an unconvincing performance from Philippe Clement’s side, but they staggered over the line with three points, with Jack Butland keeping out Mykalo Kukharevych’s penalty just before half-time.
The win keeps the Gers third in the league table, five points adrift of Celtic and Aberdeen who maintain their own 100% records.
Here, Ibrox News rates the Rangers players out of 10 for their performances at Ibrox.
Jack Butland – 7
Pulled off one of the easiest penalty saves he’ll ever make, but still had to make the right decision to deny Kukharevych from the spot. Otherwise fairly untroubled, and will be pleased with the clean sheet.
James Tavernier – 7
An experienced performance down the right flank, kept his discipline and offered little change to Junior Hoilett, likewise for Youan when he replaced him. The best of the Gers’ defence as Hibs dominated the second period.
John Souttar – 3
Gave away the penalty by making a block with his elbow, conceded a needless foul on the hour from which Hibs could have created a chance to level, and let Gayle win a header against him for a big Hibs chance late on.
John Souttar bailed out for Rangers by Jack Butland
Robin Propper – 6
Bravely threw himself into the 50/50 with Nectarios Triantis, for which the Hibs man was booked. Had to remain switched on after a few lapses this season. Should have done better with a late header over the crossbar.
Jefte – 6
Encouraging going forward, though did allow the occasional cross from Hibs’ right-hand side. Appears a better winger than full-back on this season’s showings so far.
Connor Barron – 6
Won his tackles in the middle of the park and rarely gave the ball away. Kept things ticking in a typically Rangers-style performance, but not a lot going forward.
Nico Raskin (off for Kieran Dowell 46′) – 5
Did okay, won more duels than he lost but was not as involved in the midfield as Barron, and was withdrawn at half-time. Did however feature in the better half of the Light Blues’ general play.
Tom Lawrence cracker secures tight Rangers win
Tom Lawrence (off for Neraysho Kasanwirjo 85′) – 8
Launched a superb strike to open the scoring, and was at the heart of Rangers’ attacking play in the first half. When there was little going forward for the side in the second half, it was Lawrence who tested Bursik first. Ultimately the match-winner in an unglamorous performance from the team.
Ross McCausland (off for Nedim Bajrami 46′) – 6
Some nice touches, looks to be playing with confidence, was subbed off at the break and the team’s performance declined after his withdrawal.
Vaclav Cerny (off for Dujon Sterling 68′) – 5
Caused problems down the right early on, got into promising positions infield, but completely faded as the game went on and was eventually taken off.
Hamza Igamane (off for Cyriel Dessers 55′) – 5
Worked hard and got stuck in high up the pitch, but chances came at a premium before he was replaced by Cyriel Dessers after being handed a start at Ibrox.
Substitutes
Nedim Bajrami (on for Ross McCausland 46′) – 5
A quiet game for Bajrami as he entered the fray at the interval, kept it ticking with Jefte down the left. Provided Dessers with a great chance to double the lead with 10 minutes left.
Kieran Dowell (on for Nico Raskin 46′) – 4
Knocked an uncertain header from a long Hibs throw into danger, but Butland was able to come and claim.
Cyriel Dessers (on for Hamza Igamane 55′) – 5
Given a rest by Philippe Clement but came on with 35 minutes to go regardless as the Gers wanted a second goal. Received little service for the most part, but was denied with a header by a superb Bursik save.
Dujon Sterling (on for Vaclav Cerny 68′) – 5
Quiet when he first came on, a player with quality who needed to be more involved, but grew into it near the end and worked excellently to help run the clock down.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo (on for Tom Lawrence 85′) – 5
Was brought on to see the game out, and did his job in the cameo appearance.
In other Rangers news, Andy Dunn discusses the performances of Scottish clubs in Europe.
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