Hearts v Rangers: Derek Ferguson and John Robertson baffled by ‘strange’ moment
Derek Ferguson and John Robertson were both left in disbelief as Hearts and Rangers played out as 3-1 victors at Tynecastle Park on Sunday.
The Gers opened the scoring after 20 minutes despite not yet hitting the target, with Jamie McCart’s diverting Ianis Hagi’s cross into the back of his own net.
Elton Kabangu and Lawrence Shankland both had tremendous opportunities to draw Hearts level until Michael Steinwender did so via a second-half header, and they would have been disappointed not to be ahead.
Philippe Clement certainly has Jack Butland to thank for that, denying multiple key opportunities for the home team before Vaclav Cerny notched and another own goal sank Hearts.
Jack Butland and Craig Gordon star in Hearts clash
Speaking live via BBC Sportsound [16 February, 12:46pm], Robertson said: “I think it was [Jamie] McCart again – he’s just stuck a leg out. What a save that is [from Gordon]. It’s equally as good as Jack Butland’s.
“It’s been such a strange game,” to which Ferguson added: “I think it’s even better, that save. The reaction is so quick.”
The clash at Tynecastle Park really was a clash between the goalkeepers, and with the Gers coming away with all three points, it seems as though Butland came out on top at full-time.
Philippe Clement to be disappointed with Rangers display
Despite twice taking the lead at Tynecastle, once through an own goal before Cerny slotted past Gordon in the second half, it was a difficult watch for the Gers.
For the neutral, the game would have been extremely exciting, end-to-end between the two sides, and Hearts would have felt unlucky not to walk away with anything more than a defeat.
Had Kabangu and Lawrence brought their shooting boots, or if Butland was just a couple of inches off his game, it could have been a very different outcome.
While the Gers eventually ran out 3-1 winners away from home, the performance will do nothing to convince the frustrated supporters that anything is changing at Ibrox.
Neil Critchley’s side created an incredible number of chances, but with Butland on the very top of his game, the Light Blues were able to claim all three points away from home.
This will not change the pressure that Clement is currently under at all, with Patrick Stewart still being urged to relieve him of his duties, but at least there is some positivity to focus on at Tynecastle.