Rangers took on a struggling Hearts side at the Ibrox Stadium, and they emerged with a 5-0 victory to remain on Celtic’s heels in the title race.
The home team didn’t have the best start and Hearts were comfortable in the opening minutes of the game. However, Rangers showed their clinical edge as they scored from their first attack when Alfredo Morelos found the back of the net with a header from Barisic’s cross. Morelos had a chance to make it two, but he misfired. Kent though added Rangers’ second as he scored with aplomb after Aribo found him with a pass. The Glaswegian giants went in at the half time with a two-goal lead.
Rangers looked much more at ease in the second half, and they got their third through an own goal. Greg Stewart came off the bench and managed to score a brace to make it a thumping 5-0 for the Bears.
Here is how Gerrard’s men fared.
Allan McGregor 6
Hardly had to anything in goal as the Jambos only had one shot on target in the entire game. Did alright with his feet.
James Tavernier 6
Had a decent game on the attacking front but still seems to lack some confidence.
Connor Goldson 7
Ikpeazu is often a difficult customer to handle, but Goldson did a decent job to keep him under check.
Filip Helander 7
Won quite a few duels and kept things tight at the back. Nothing went past him as he was assured and calm in his challenges.
Borna Barisic 7.5
The Croatian is undoubtedly playing his best football right now. Was a major threat down the left and found Morelos again with a perfectly-weighted cross. Spent most of the game in the opposition’s half. Held his own defensively.
Steven Davis 8
He was calm and composed in possession once again. Rarely has a bad game and called the shots from the middle as he orchestrated plays like a master.
Joe Aribo 6.5
Linked up play well from time to time in the attacking third and played some clever passes. Always aware of what’s around him. However, had some bad moments as well as he gave away the ball sometimes.
Glen Kamara 7.5
Once again a commanding presence in the middle. Hardly gets dispossessed as he used his body well and moved the ball swiftly.
Ryan Kent 7.5
Played in a pretty central role and looked bright. Always bursting with energy when he gets on the ball. Scored from close range as Aribo set him up with a neat pass. Made a few driving runs and linked up play well.
Scott Arfield 7
His movement and work rate in the attacking third was often impressive. Occupied some dangerous areas and played some smart one-twos. Moved the ball well.
Alfredo Morelos 7
Once again buried the first chance which he got through a header. However, he should have had another as well. Apart from his missed chance, he was impressive as usual with his work rate and ability to stretch play.
Substitutes
Greg Stewart 7
Came off the bench and made a nuisance of himself in the opposition’s penalty box. Scored from two rebounds as Hearts defended haplessly.
Jermain Defoe 5
Was involved in a few moves after coming on but failed to get on the scoresheet.
Sheyi Ojo 4
Looked average after coming on.
