Rangers crushed Hearts at Hampden Park in the League Cup semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
An injury-time goal from Filip Helander ensured what had been a frustrating first half ended on a bright note for the Gers, before they utterly dominated proceedings in the second.
A brace from Alfredo Morelos, who was denied a hat-trick by the offside flag, had Gerrard’s side 3-0 up by the hour mark.
The Gers managed the game thereafter, exploiting increasingly large gaps in the Jambos defence, and could have scored several more.
It was an excellent overall display which sets up an Old Firm final.
Here’s how we thought the players fared:
Allan McGregor – 6
Pretty much unchallenged throughout, kept out a tame Uche Ikpeazu shot on the stroke of half-time.
James Tavernier – 7
Looked more solid than he has done in other high-profile matches in the recent past. Constantly looked to drive forward down the right and forced Pereira into a decent save in the first half after being played in by Jack. Excellent drilled square ball to assist Morelos for the second goal just after the break.
Connor Goldson – 6
Some shoddy passing at the back in the first half and almost committed a big blunder early on. Not overly challenged defensively.
Filip Helander – 7
Concerningly outpaced by Wighton in a rare Hearts attack in the first half but stayed up after a corner and finished smartly to open the scoring. Another important contribution at the top end of the pitch.
Borna Barisic – 7
As solid as we have come to expect over the last month or two. Got forward regularly to support Kent down the left and threatened with his crossing. A major asset.
Glen Kamara – 7
Scuffed his shot when presented with a clear opportunity in the first half. He’s not in the team for his goalscoring ability, though, and he was generally tidy in possession with some nice touches and turns. Used the ball efficiently.
Ryan Jack – 8
Another excellent showing after his masterclass in Dingwall. Some nice creative touches in and around the box in the first period as Rangers searched for an opening. After the break, his crucial block denied an Ikpeazu header, and he tracked back to cover the full-backs on multiple occasions, before running the show as the game opened up. Subbed for Arfield late on.
Steven Davis – 8
Classy in possession and covered every blade of grass, as we have come to expect this season. Benefitted from a break in midweek and helped the Gers tick yet again, showing his full range of passing.
Sheyi Ojo – 6
Took up some good positions and got a few shots off at goal from the edge of the area. The odd sloppy piece of build-up play and no real end product. He worked hard though, which was audibly appreciated by the supporters. Lively, but still a work in progress. Subbed for Defoe with ten minutes remaining.
Ryan Kent – 8
Extremely lively having also been rested in midweek. Rangers’ most creative spark in the first-half, hit the post with the score at 0-0 after 40 minutes. Brilliant run and pick out for the third goal. Electric display and the sharpest he’s looked since signing on deadline day. Subbed for Aribo after 65 minutes.
Alfredo Morelos – 9
Led the line excellently, once again looking like a top-quality centre-forward. He drifted out wide before picking out Helander for the opener and then dispatched two confident finishes to put the result beyond all doubt. Didn’t give Berra a moments peace all day. An outstanding 20 goals for the season already.
Subs: Aribo (5), Arfield (5), Defoe (5)