A 6-0 victory over Ross County brought Celtic back at the top of the Premiership standings. Rangers, however, had an opportunity to restore the two-point lead this afternoon against Hearts at Tynecastle. Things didn’t go as planned, and an early howler from skipper James Tavernier led to Jambos’ opener. Alfredo Morelos fired in the equaliser late in the first half, but the visitors could not find a winner after the break. The game eventually ended all square in Edinburgh.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their disappointing 1-1 draw against Hearts.
Allan McGregor: 6
Could have done little to deny Ryotaro Meshino when the Japanese capitalised on Tavernier’s mistake and earned the hosts an early lead. The veteran Scotsman was rarely tested otherwise.
James Tavernier: 5
An afternoon to forget for the skipper as he once again made an error that cost his side severely. His crosses lacked accuracy and touches were too heavy at times while making overlapping runs.
Connor Goldson: 7
Had a few nervy occasions but did well overall to contain the likes of Sean Clare and Uche Ikpeazu despite their strong physical presence in and around the box.
Nikola Katic: 7
The Croatian penned a long-term deal a couple of days back and made his mark this afternoon by setting up the equaliser for Morelos with a timely header. He had his difficulties against a pacy and power-packed Hearts attack but impressed overall despite being rusty and untidy at times.
Borna Barisic: 7
His corner eventually led to the equaliser, and the Croatia international kept on balancing his game between defence and attack based on the demands of the match.
Glenn Kamara: 6.5
Featured in a slightly deeper role in the absence of Ryan Jack. Although he marshalled the backline under pressure and tried to dominate possession in the middle of the park, the pressing from Craig Levein’s men refrained the Finnish professional from surging forward.
Joe Aribo: 6
Found the net against Brazil during the international break but struggled to operate box to box or orchestrate the game from the deep barring a few promising runs.
Steven Davis: 7
Looked lively in the first half as he was trying to help out the attacking third by carrying the ball forward and distributing upfront. Showcased great work ethics initially but looked worn out with time.
Scott Arfield: 6
The veteran Canadian often tracked back to recover position and combine with Tavernier to utilise the width of the pitch. However, ran out of ideas as the game progressed and eventually made way for Greg Stewart late in the game.
Sheyi Ojo: 5.5
Had little impact from the left flank as he could not create enough menace to distort the hosts’ defensive composure. Was taken off around the hour mark and got replaced by Ryan Kent who made his return after weeks of injury absence.
Alfredo Morelos: 7.5
Brought Rangers back in the game by slotting in the equaliser. Created a few more chances but failed to threaten Joel Pereira enough in the Hearts goal.
Substitutes:
Ryan Kent: 6
Had a lively start, however, faded off in the closing minutes as the Gers were busier at the back.
Greg Stewart: 5.5
Was introduced in place of Arfield but failed to make any noteworthy contribution either.
Jermain Defoe: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
