Rangers were at home to take on Hibernian FC after their comprehensive victory in Europe in midweek. The Gers showed that they are the real deal this season as they secured a comfortable 6-1 win.
The home team dominated the game as they were incisive with their passing and created some decent chances while going forward. Jermain Defoe scored his first after Hibs goalkeeper Marciano failed to deal with Sheyi Ojo’s long-range attempt and Defoe with his predatory instincts slotted the ball in. Ojo again got in the act as he exchanged a neat little one-two with Jordan Jones to set up Defoe’s second. Hibs though pulled one back just before half time to keep the game interesting going into the second half.
The second half turned out to be a one-sided affair once Sean Mackie was shown the red card. Hibs were down and deflated, and Rangers piled on the misery as they scored four goals in the last 20 minutes. Defoe completed his hattrick, Morelos came up with a brace from the bench, and Ojo got his deserved goal via a deflection as Rangers romped home with a 6-1 win.
Allan McGregor 6
Made a couple of decent saves. Couldn’t have done much to prevent the goal.
Nikola Katic 6
Booked early, but never really looked fazed and dealt with almost everything that came his way. Was caught out by a through ball which resulted in the Hibs goal.
Connor Goldson 7
Distributed the ball well and controlled the game from the back.
James Tavernier 7
Looked brilliant while going forward and could have scored a goal on another day through a free-kick. Wasn’t tested much defensively.
Jon Flanagan 7
Gerrard clearly brings him for stability in the team as he is a no-nonsense defender. Nothing too flashy, but does the job well.
Steven Davis 7
Ran the show from midfield with his smart movement and passing. His experience and composure made a big difference in the middle. Another steady performance from the veteran.
Ryan Jack 8
Just growing from where he left off last season. Looked like a rock in the midfield and he was strong and robust in his challenges. Was smart with his little flicks and link-up play in tight spaces. Drove the ball forward with intensity.
Joe Aribo 7
Looked good once again. Looks at ease in possession and can crank it up at any given moment. Not at his free-flowing best, but still a top performance.
Sheyi Ojo 8
Managed two assists and got his deserved goal in the end. Worked hard, played with intensity, took on defenders and was almost everywhere in the attacking third.
Jordan Jones 8
Rewarded for his midweek performance and got a start. Toyed with the Hibs defence as he was too good for them. Went past his man with ease on numerous occasions.
Jermain Defoe 8
Scored two typical predatory goals in the first half and could have got his third as well in the first 45. Scored through a header in the second half to complete his hattrick. Just knows where the back of the net is at any given moment.
Substitutes
Alfredo Morelos 7
Got two goals after coming on. Simply sublime and we would probably see more of him this midweek.
Greg Stewart 6
Provided an assist for Morelos.
Andy Halliday N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
