Rangers FC, the Scottish heavyweights started their Premiership season with a nervy 2-1 victory against Motherwell. Their midweek 6-0 triumph against Dunfermline Athletic in a Scottish League Cup second round fixture lifted their spirits ahead of the Saturday evening encounter against Hibernian at Ibrox. They got an early break via Alfredo Morelos, but the Gers lost the plot completely after Ryan Jack was shown Red. Despite late efforts to register a comeback, the Glasgow giants suffered an unforeseen 2-3 home defeat.
Below are the Rangers players rated from the fixture.
Wes Foderingham: 6
Was unlucky to concede three goals. Pulled off a few decent saves to keep the Gers in the game.
James Tavernier: 6.5
Tavernier was making runs down the right-hand flank and pulled one back towards the end. Should have contributed more defensively, especially after Jack was sent off.
Fabio Cardoso: 5
An evening to forget for the Portuguese centre-back who failed to contain Simon Murray during Hibs’ equaliser. Was unlucky to concede an own goal as Murray’s deflected strike ended into the back of the net after hitting Slivka and Cardoso.
Bruno Alves: 6
The veteran Portuguese international was solid defensively. Pulled off few decent blocks and tackles but could not prevent Hibernian’s persistent attacks after Jack’s red card.
Lee Hodson: 5.5
Hodson worked hard down the left-hand flank and tried to help out his defence being down to ten men. Was replaced by forward Eduardo Herrera at half-time.
Ryan Jack: 3
Started the game brightly by holding possession in midfield and screening his back-line. But he saw an unnecessary red card following a tussle with Dylan McGeouch and the Gers’ eventually ended up losing 2-3.
Graham Dorrans: 6
The architect of Rangers’ last week’s victory against Motherwell combated well in midfield. But Jack’s departure created a hole in the middle of the park and Dorrans could not deal with it all alone.
Daniel Candeias: 6
The Portuguese winger’s sublime cross was headed home by Morelos in early minutes. But he was being engaged in tackles and fouls that eventually led him to be booked minutes before Jack’s send-off. Caixinha did not risk him in the second half and was replaced by defender Danny Wilson at half-time.
Josh Windass: 5.5
Made an impression with his, pace, dribbling skills and cut insides. Faded off after being down to ten men and failed to create anything spectacular to alter the scoreline.
Alfredo Morelos: 6.5
Following his brace against Dunfermline Athletic in midweek Scottish League Cup clash, the Colombian netted again within three minutes into the game. But he was isolated up front after that and was eventually replaced by Mexican midfielder Carlos Pena midway in the second half.
Kenny Miller: 6.5
Miller was impressive once again as he worked his socks off to bring the Gers back into the game. Was unlucky as his deflected effort hit the woodwork in the first half.
Substitutes
Danny Wilson: 6
Came on as a half-time substitute. His sublime cross was converted by Tavernier late into the game to pull one back.
Eduardo Herrera: 5
Tried to win possession using his physicality, but the Mexican hitman failed to leave a mark once more.
Carlos Pena: 5.5
Was impressive at times with his range of passing and down the middle runs.
