Rangers’ sensational success story in Europe had mended their domestic damage to some extent. But they were desperate to draw an end to their title drought and therefore, went full throttle this evening against Hearts at Tynecastle in the Scottish Cup quarterfinal. The Jambos have been a bogey team for Steven Gerrard’s men, and the scenario did not alter this time too as the Gers suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat to get knocked out from the cup contest.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their humiliating defeat against Hearts.
Rangers Players Rated In Humiliating Defeat Against Hearts
Allan McGregor: 5
Made some decent saves but must take the blame for Oliver Bozanic’s goal. This goal proved to be the difference between these two sides and guided Hearts into the semis of the competition.
James Tavernier: 5.5
Worked on his defensive game and was not doing particularly bad. Yet his contribution in the attacking third could have been more in terms of goal-bound attempts, crosses, cut insides and link-up play from the wide areas.
Connor Goldson: 5.5
Struggled at times against the pace and power of Conor Washington and Steven Naismith as the duo looked menacing from counter-attacking moves.
George Edmundson: 6
Was stunning against Braga in their massive Europa League win, but the young centre-half failed to replicate a similar show this time from the heart of the backline. Sent a couple of headers over the bar from a close range late in the game which could have changed the scoreline in the Bears’ favour.
Borna Barisic: 6.5
His set-pieces were not enough threatening to trouble the hosts. Made some marauding runs, worked tirelessly to link-up with Kent down the left and also created a few chances from pinpoint crosses.
Ryan Jack: 4.5
Was clumsy with his tackles. Could not dominate the midfield game or find the attackers upfront with proper passing and through balls. Was taken off to be replaced by Ianis Hagi just over the hour mark.
Steven Davis: 5
Should have offered more considering his experience and expertise to drive the show from a central role. Worked hard to hold possession but lacked creativity and imagination while distributing the ball upfront.
Scott Arfield: N/A
Started the game in a lively fashion but was forced to leave the pitch around the half-hour mark with an injury. Sheyi Ojo came on to replace the veteran Canadian.
Joe Aribo: 5.5
Offered little in the attacking third as his runs and moves were being interpreted quite easily by the Hearts’ backline. Tried to open up space by using the channels, but was left frustrated on most occasions after failing the break the hosts’ resilience.
Ryan Kent: 6
Must feel unlucky as a penalty shout was waved off by the referee inside the first 45 minutes of the match. His pace and power were causing some problems, but the efforts were either denied by Zdeněk Zlámal or went off target.
Greg Stewart: 5
Was handed a surprise start as a ‘number 9’. Could not leave an impression though and eventually made way for Jermain Defoe midway through the second half.
Rangers Substitutes
Sheyi Ojo: 5
Came in place of Arfield, but failed to offer enough quality to alter the scoreline.
Ianis Hagi: 5.5
Has been a revelation since his winter move, but the Romanian, too, could not turn things around on this occasion.
Jermain Defoe: 5
Returned to action but could not find the net when it mattered the most.
