Rangers had something to salvage from yet another season in Celtic’s shadow when they encountered the famous rivals at Hampden Park last week in the Scottish Cup semi-final tie. However, their hope of winning a silverware was thrashed by the Hoops following a thumping 4-0 defeat and a dressing room brawl, later on, saw two of club’s seniors Lee Wallace and Kenny Miller being suspended for an indefinite spell until the investigation gets its conclusion.
Graeme Murty, the Light Blues boss, had to reintegrate the squad and motivate them to clinch a runners-up spot ahead of Aberdeen and Hibernian in the Premiership. He made a few changes in the starting XI that hosted Hearts this afternoon and credits to the Gers who shook off the shambles of last week and scripted an edgy yet comprehensive 2-1 win at Ibrox.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their win against Hearts.
Jak Alnwick (7)
Could have done little to deny Christophe Berra’s header in the second half but did well with his positioning, outings and distribution being handed a rare start between the sticks in place of injured Wes Foderingham. Was lucky not to concede a second as Kyle Lafferty’s curling effort hit the woodwork.
James Tavernier (7.5)
Was a threat going forward down the right flank as he kept on combining with Candeias and whipped in crosses inside the box. Was rusty while tackling but tracked back well and helped his defence when required.
Ross McCrorie (7)
Received a marching order against Celtic last week in the Cup semifinal but return to action this afternoon and maintained his composure to defend the lead, particularly late in the game when the visitors were pushing for an equalizer after pulling back one.
Russell Martin (7.5)
Struggled against Celtic but came back strongly against the Sunday counterparts and led his backline to see out a win and also threatened from set-pieces on the other end.
Declan John (7)
The Welshman delivered a decent performance down the left flank. He was disciplined at the back and made occasional runs to link up with Jamie Murphy in order to open up Hearts defensive line.
Jason Holt (7)
Has not played a lot of games of late, was introduced in the second half against the Hoops last week but conceded a penalty instead of guiding his side to stage a comeback. Murty, however, handed him an opportunity to shine and he did justice to his midfield role by holding off possession in the middle of the park and distributing the ball on the flanks to utilize the width of the pitch. Almost created a goal-scoring opportunity beating custodian McLaughlin, but substitute Morelos saw his effort cleared off the line.
Graham Dorrans (7.5)
The veteran Scotsman mostly operated in an advanced area as he kept on creating opportunities from behind and depleted the Hearts’ defence very often with his long balls and through passes.
Daniel Candeias (9)
The Portuguese winger continues to impress down the right wing as he not only set up Jason Cummings for the opener but also scored one with a diving header which proved to be the winner for his side. Was replaced by Michael O’Halloran in closing minutes.
Josh Windass (8)
Came close to score, forced Jon McLaughlin making decent saves in Hearts goal and played his part in the build-up of Cummings’ opener. Was replaced by Andy Halliday late in the game.
Jamie Murphy (8.5)
Terrorized the Hearts backline from left wing, troubled them with his runs, one-twos and shots on and off the target. Played his part in Cummings’ opener and also assisted Candeias who made no mistake to make it 2-0 with a diving header.
Jason Cummings (8.5)
Started the game in place of Alfredo Morelos. Broke the deadlock early in the second half when he made no mistake to fire in Candeias’ delivery. Was replaced by Alfredo Morelos in closing minutes.
Substitutes
Andy Halliday (6.5)
Was brought in after conceding to cool things down and control the game in midfield. Was dreadful against Celtic but did his properly this afternoon.
Alfredo Morelos (NA)
Saw his efforts cleared off the line. Played too little to warrant a rating.
Michael O’Halloran (NA)
Played too little to warrant a rating.
