Rangers are in electrifying form in Europe but have struggled to find momentum in the Premiership despite a few promising displays. They lost to new boys Livingston last week but bounced back splendidly on Thursday night scripting a comeback win against Rapid Wien at Ibrox. Steven Gerrard, the Gers boss, urged his men to replicate a similar show this afternoon against Hearts, the league leaders, who have maintained an unbeaten streak since the start of the new season. It was yet another tricky league outing for the Glasgow giants but turned out to be a stroll in the park for Gerrard’s juggernaut who sent the Ibrox crowd wild clinching a dominating 3-1 victory.
Below are the Rangers players rated from their comprehensive win against Hearts.
Allan McGregor: 7
Made a couple of outstanding saves in early minutes to keep the lead intact but conceded one in the second half against the run of play which denied him a clean sheet.
James Tavernier: 8
The Bears skipper continued his excellence from the right flank as he played his part in the first and third goal of the evening.
Connor Goldson: 7
Had a nervy start but improved immensely with time as he kept on blocking the efforts of Uche Ikpeazu, Steven MacLean and Steven Naismith. Had a great chance to score early in the second half but failed to hit the target from close range.
Joe Worrall: 6.5
Struggled against the pace of Ikpeazu in early minutes and looked out of position at times. Made a few no-nonsense clearances and did well to play the ball out from the back while forming counter movements.
Jon Flanagan: 7.5
A dominating display from the ex-Liverpool fullback who kept on threatening the visitors with his forward runs, crosses and link-up with Ryan Kent. Forced Michael Smith to foul him while bursting into the box which resulted in marching order for the Hearts right back.
Lassana Coulibaly: 7.5
Impressed once again in the middle of the park as he kept on winning the ball back, creating space for his teammates to stride forward and threaten their opponents. Made some down the middle runs and never allowed Craig Levein’s men to dominate the midfield game.
Ovie Ejaria: 7
His footwork, technical traits along with movements in midfield helped Rangers to orchestrate the game from the centre of the pitch. Was taken off at around 66th-minute mark to be replaced by Ryan Jack.
Scott Arfield: 7.5
Looked purposeful high up the pitch and scored one just over the half-hour mark to earn the Gers a three-goal lead. Created a few more chances, missed some of those but enjoyed his afternoon before making way for Andy Halliday late in the game.
Daniel Candeias: 8.5
His hard work paid off once again as the Portuguese wide attacker did exceptionally well to win the ball and whip in a perfect cross for Alfredo Morelos who made no mistake in making it 2-0 in the early minutes. Was replaced by Kyle Lafferty.
Ryan Kent: 8.5
The Liverpool loanee was standout yet again as he kept on troubling the Hearts’ backline with his pace, power and energetic runs. Broke the deadlock in early minutes and forced Zdeněk Zlámal to make multiple stops all throughout.
Alfredo Morelos: 9
Netted a brace against Rapid Wien on Thursday night and continued his excellence at Ibrox by scoring one spectacular goal and also setting up twice for Kent and Arfield.
Substitutes
Ryan Jack: 7
Was introduced in place of Ejaria in the second half and enjoyed his time on the pitch.
Andy Halliday: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Kyle Lafferty: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
