Rangers FC’s return to top tier of Scottish football has been a mixed experience overall; they have almost secured a third place finish that will earn them a place in Europa League qualifying round, but Pedro Caixinha’s men have been dominated by the champions Celtic FC throughout the campaign who are enjoying a monumental 39 points lead over their age-old rivals .
Their game week 36 outing against Hearts at Ibrox, however, was expected to be an entertaining one as the Gers suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against their Saturday opponent in early February. Although the Hearts played their hearts out despite being down to ten-men, the revenge was accomplished as Rangers secured a 2-1 win and registered a third-place finish in Scottish Premiership season.
Below are the Rangers FC players rated from the game.
Wes Foderingham: 6
Conceded early into the second half, could have done little to stop Esmaël Gonçalves’ effort. Made a few routine stops, dealt well with crosses and impressed with his outing.
James Tavernier: 6
Worked hard down the right flank as he made a few impressive forward runs and linked up well with Kenny Miller and Joe Garner. Whipped in a few decent crosses and had his contribution in Rangers’ second goal, but the Englishman should have concentrated more on his defensive duties in tracking back.
David Bates: 6
Decent outing for the youngster who once again showed good aerial presence in both ends and forced Viktor Noring to make a fine save from Barrie McKay’s corner. Was side-stepped by Johnsen in the second half but the Norwegian professional failed to equalise.
Clint Hill: 7
The veteran pulled off another impressive display with crucial blocks and tackles. Won a number of aerial duels and forced Noring to make a decisive stop following his thumping header in the closing minutes of the first half.
Lee Hodson: 6.5
Returned to the squad replacing teenager Myles Beerman and made his presence known with tireless runs down the left-flank. Combined well with Barrie McKay and later Joe Dodoo and whipped in a few dangerous balls into the box.
Jason Holt: 5.5
Held possession in midfield and screened his back-line on most occasions. But he failed to hold Johnsen down the left who squared it for Goncalves to fire the shot low beyond Foderingham. Was replaced in second half by youngster Jamie Barjonas.
Jon Toral: 6
Controlled the game from the middle of the park and spread the game to both flanks to create some width against ten-men Jambos. Came close to sealing the deal with his left-footbed drive, but his shot was palmed away by Noring. Was replaced by Martyn Waghorn in second the half.
Josh Windass: 5.5
Made a few smart movements in attack and linked up well with McKay, Miller and Garner. Had a catastrophic beginning in second half that led the Hearts to equalize. Was taken off seconds later to be replaced by Joe Dodoo.
Barrie McKay: 7
Looked sharp in attack as he kept the Jambos back-line on toes with his runs, dribbles and pace. Took full advantage of Noring’s weak clearance and smacked it into the back of the net to restore the lead minute after Hearts’ equalizer.
Kenny Miller: 6.5
The veteran had an impressive start of the game as he made some outstanding runs down the right and his delightful ball into the box was converted by Garner to earn his side an early lead. Had a quiet second half as he lacked support from his colleagues.
Joe Garner: 6.5
Picked up Miller’s delivery and finished it into the back of the net via a diving header early in the game.
Substitutes
Joe Dodoo: 6
Was introduced in place of Windass. Made a few ambitious runs and forced the keeper to make a fine stop towards the end from his low drive to the near post.
Jamie Barjonas: 6
Was introduced in place of Holt and made his second successive substitute appearance for the Gers. Made a few good runs down the middle and constructed some ambitious movements upfront.
Martyn Waghorn: 5
His poor run of form continues as he blew away a golden opportunity in injury time to seal the deal and also failed to beat the keeper one-on-one.
