Philippe Clement will be breathing a sigh of relief as his Rangers side edged out a spirited Hearts 1-0 at Ibrox.
The Gers were under pressure to get a result against the Tynecastle side after both Aberdeen and Celtic had won their fixtures this weekend, extending their lead to 12 points at the top of the table.
Rangers too had suffered defeat to the Dons last time out on Scottish Premiership duties.
As things transpired, an early Cyriel Dessers strike would prove enough for Rangers to cut the gap to nine and here’s how the Ibrox team rated in Glasgow.
Rangers player ratings v Hearts (Scottish Premiership)
Jack Butland – 7
Called into action in the first half when John Souttar played a short back pass into the path of Hearts striker Kenneth Vargas.
Would’ve also have been relieved to see the Chilean forward hit the post when through on goal moments after the restart.
Solid and assured, if not increasingly frustrated by what he’s seeing in front of him.
James Tavernier – 7
Recalled to the starting XI after being dropped for the 1-1 draw with Olympiacos on Europa League duties and made a bright start.
Assisted Cyriel Dessers’ opener with a cross-shot on the opening stages and had a number of pops at goal throughout the game.
Won all his duels and was a solid return to the starting line up before being replaced by Neraysho Kasanwirjo.
John Souttar – 6
Almost cost his team dearly in the first period with a slack back-pass to Jack Butland but did make some crucial interventions as the game went on.
Beyond that this was a solid display from the Rangers centre-back, with John Souttar fast becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.
Leon Balogun – 6
Gave away a corner in the opening minute of the game after being recalled to the starting XI in place of Robin Propper.
Contributed to the clean sheet which proved the foundation of Rangers’ victory.
Jefte – 7
Another impressive performance from the Brazilian left-back who started this game very brightly indeed.
Heavily involved in springing attacks and showing some impressive link-up play down the left-hand side, the ball sometimes broke down at the feet of the defender.
Never lacks in enthusiasm and has been one of the success stories of the season.
Nicolas Raskin – 8
Another all-action Man of the Match display from the Rangers midfielder, who could well be the answer to the club’s prayers in the middle of the park.
Has immense energy, plays with real impetus, and is fast becoming the fulcrum of the Rangers team, breaking up play and also turning defence into attack.
Combative yet creative, Nicolas Raskin has earned his break during the next fortnight and fans will be counting down the minutes to see him return.
Connor Barron – 6
Rangers have given midfielder Connor Barron greater license to play closer to the opposition box and try to influence the attacking phase of play.
Started well and was heavily involved in creating opportunities in an impressive opening period from Rangers, breaking late into the box and linking up play.
Waned as the match wore on and was replaced by Dujon Sterling.
Mohamed Diomande – 7
Another impressive display for Mohamed Diomande who is beginning to really find his role in the Rangers team.
The technical midfielder is always a safe option in possession but at times just lacks that killer ball or finish and this was once again evident against Hearts.
Had a solid shot on goal that drifted wide in the first half and was central to everything good that Rangers did going forward.
Nedim Bajrami – 7
Nedim Bajrami played a crucial part in the Rangers victory by doing what he always does and finding space to cross from out wide.
Another who started the game really brightly but waned as the match progressed, Bajrami is a technically skilled footballer with matchwinning potential.
Didn’t always happen for him today in front of goal but is always an option and is consistently turning up for the team.
Tested Craig Gordon in the second half.
Vaclav Cerny – 6
Similarly, Vaclav Cerny is another in the Rangers frontline who is proving he has that creative spark to be a difference-maker for the team.
Regularly tried to take players on and drifted inside and out with mazy footwork, is never quite happened in the same way it has been recently for Vaclav Cerny v Hearts.
A tad wasteful in the final third and from deal balls, Cerny will have better end product in the weeks to come.
Cyriel Dessers – 7
In a tight game, the heavily criticised Rangers number nine proved the difference.
Cyriel Dessers now has ten goals for the season and three-in-three after tapping in a low James Tavernier effort minutes into the game with Hearts.
Beyond that there wasn’t much give for Dessers in a tight game at Ibrox which was really played out between both boxes and wasn’t always pretty.
Substitutions:
Neraysho Kasanwirjo – 6: Showed good energy and physicality after replacing James Tavernier. Hit the bar with a rasping effort late on.
Dujon Sterling – 6: Started at right-back against Olympiacos and came into the midfield against Hearts. Shown a yellow card.
Danilo – 5: Industrious performance from the Brazilian and he almost teed up Kasanwirjo. Needs more opportunities.
Ross McCausland – 4: Had a mazy run which was closed out by Hearts by little time to influence proceedings.
Kieran Dowell – 4: Got on the ball when he came on. Easy to forget he’s still at Ibrox.
