It was always going to be a tough test for Rangers against an in-form Hibernian. They even conceded early on when Kevin Nisbet headed home against the run, but the dismissal of Ryan Porteous handed the Gers a significant boost when they scored twice in the second half to claim all three points from this tricky encounter.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 2-1 win against Hibernian.
Allan McGregor: 6.5
The veteran Scotsman was not at all tested between the sticks except for the goal scored by Nisbet early into the game. Could have done little to stop his fellow countryman’s header.
Nathan Patterson: 8
Was handed a surprise start ahead of skipper James Tavernier. The teenage right fullback enjoyed his time on the pitch with persistent overlapping runs, pinpoint crosses and link-up play in the attacking third. Set it up beautifully for Kemar Roofe who made no mistake to equalize on the hour mark.
Connor Goldson: 7
Should have done a lot better to mark Nisbet who is known for his poaching traits inside the box. Did well otherwise as he won the duels, carried the ball forward from deep defence and tried to threaten the Hibs from set-pieces.
Leon Balogun: 7.5
Did not have to do much ever since Hibs went down to ten men. Was in the right place at the right time otherwise as the Nigerian was prompt to move the ball forward.
Borna Barisic: 7
Should have stopped Chris Cadden’s cross at first place before Nisbet’s header for the Hibernian goal. But the Croatian compensated exquisitely when he set it up for Morelos who headed home late in the match to script a comeback.
John Lundstram: 8
Had a couple of attempts off-target, but the Englishman dominated the midfield game with his all-around display. Carried the ball forward from the deep to operate in advanced areas, also kept on regaining possession to maintain the pressure on the visitors.
The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency: Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/) and Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)
Glen Kamara: 6.5
Was accurate as always with his passing and distribution traits. Should have done more in terms of attacking contribution, and therefore, was replaced by Roofe 10 minutes into the second half.
Joe Aribo: 7
Lively with his movements in and around the box. A dangerous foul on the Nigerian led to Porteous’ dismissal around the half-hour mark. Left the pitch to make way for Juninho Bacuna moments after Morelos’ winner.
Ianis Hagi: 7.5
Was denied a couple of times by Matt Macey in the Hibernian goal. Kept on creating chances from the right, also as a ‘number 10’ from behind Roofe and Morelos.
Scott Wright: 7.5
Excellent from the left with his pace, swift footwork and successful dribbles. Exhibited his creative spark in the attacking third before being replaced by Steven Davis late in the match.
Alfredo Morelos: 8.5
Looked sharp as the outright ‘number 9’ as he kept on testing the Hibs defence with his movements and goal-bound attempts. A few of his strikes were blocked, however, the Colombian made the difference when he notched the winner with 12 minutes remaining.
Rangers Substitutes Vs Hibernian
Kemar Roofe: 7.5
The ‘super sub’ handed the Gers a massive breakthrough when he equalized soon after entering the pitch replacing Kamara.
Juninho Bacuna: 6.5
Calmed things down in the middle of the park to protect the lead.
Steven Davis: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
