Rangers have been a rejuvenated force this season under Steven Gerrard and their midweek draw against mighty Villarreal (despite being down to ten-men) received plaudits from pundits and the supporters. The Gers, however, had a tricky test this afternoon at Tynecastle against Hearts as a win would have had taken them to the leading spot of Premiership standings for the time being. Although the Bears had a dreadful start, a boisterous recovery saw them turning it around securing a massive 2-1 victory despite being down to ten men in the second half.
Below are the Rangers players rated from their win against Hearts.
Allan McGregor: 7.5
The in-form veteran was unlucky to concede minutes before the half-hour mark but pulled off some decent saves and impressed with his outings and distribution.
James Tavernier: 8
The skipper was once again influential from set-pieces as his corner resulted in an equaliser via Connor Goldson. His free-kick was converted by Alfredo Morelos minutes later to earn a lead accomplishing a comeback, and the right fullback kept on troubling the hosts with his overlapping runs, crosses and link-up football.
Gareth McAuley: 7
The veteran was unlucky to concede an own goal early in the game but stood tall and kept on defending Hearts’ attacking threats persistently, particularly after being down to ten men midway through the second half.
Connor Goldson: 7.5
Goldson delivered yet another towering defensive display and also scored a crucial equaliser from a set-piece situation. The Englishman, too, had a tougher test in the second half since Arfield’s dismissal but he stood tall to hold on to the win.
Andy Halliday: 7
Featured as a left fullback and delivered a balanced display down the left flank. He was making runs forward in the first half to offer help in the attacking third but confined his game to defensive duties while defending the narrow lead in the second half.
Lassana Coulibaly: 5.5
The Angers loanee had an impressive start to his Rangers career but faded off in later weeks and once again failed to impress enough in the middle of the park. Was lethargic at times early on but improved his display with time. Got replaced by Ross McCrorie late in the game.
Ovie Ejaria: 6.5
Was not the best of his games but managed to pull strings from midfield with his great holding and passing traits. Did not offer much going forward and marshalled the backline while defending the lead in the anxious moments of the game.
Scott Arfield: 5
A needless challenge saw him receiving a marching order midway in the second half. Although the Gers managed to defend the lead, the veteran Canadian must take the blame for almost throwing away all the good work.
Daniel Candeias: 7
The Portuguese was dismissed against Villarreal this midweek in their European encounter but delivered a composed display down the right flank with timely one-twos, cut insides and crosses inside the box. Was replaced by Kyle Lafferty in the closing minutes of the game.
Eros Grezda: 6.5
The Albanian winger looked lively down the left flank and forced Hearts custodian Zdeněk Zlámal to make some decent stops. He, however, could have been more innovative and unpredictable with his moves and was eventually replaced by Ryan Jack minutes after the hour mark.
Alfredo Morelos: 8.5
Not only played his part in the equaliser but also exhibited his powerful scoring ability by converting Tavernier’s low free-kick from the right-hand flank. Terrorised the hosts with his relentless runs and movements and played a massive part in Rangers’ comeback to secure a top of the table spot.
Substitutes
Ryan Jack: 7
Helped to take control of the midfield game and offered a physical presence in the centre of the pitch after Arfield’s marching order.
Ross McCrorie: 6.5
Had a decent cameo with lots of running and chasing the ball to help his side defend the lead in the culminating minutes of the game.
Kyle Lafferty: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
