Rangers defeated Hearts 3-1 in the Scottish Premiership at Tynecastle to relieve the pressure on manager Philippe Clement.
A Vaclav Cerny strike and two own goals from Hearts defender Jamie McCart ensured Rangers overcame a spirted Jambos side in Edinburgh.
Here’s how the Rangers players rated as the Gers cut the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to a quite remarkable 13 points.
Rangers player ratings v Hearts
Jack Butland – 9
It’s no exaggeration to say that Philippe Clement might be staring at his P45 had it not been for Jack Butland’s monumental performance at Tynecastle.
The Rangers goalkeeper has had his doubters at times this season but Butland was on sensational form to thwart Hearts time and again in Edinburgh.
Butland made no fewer than nine saves at Tynecastle with Hearts forward Elton Kabangu likely to see the Gers goalie in his nightmares this evening.
Philippe Clement probably owes the Rangers goalie a pint.
James Tavernier – 6
The Rangers captain was part of an at times shapeless defence who were bailed out time and again by the Ibrox club’s goalkeeper.
Was tidy in possession at times and as always was an option for the Rangers attack as they built up the park but James Tavernier has had more impactful games in a Gers jersey.
John Souttar – 7
John Souttar dealt with Heart’s aerial threat throughout the game and Rangers have missed the Scotland defender’s imposing presence in the club’s backline.
Still working his way back to full fitness but Rangers are an infinitely better team with the ex-Hearts centre-back in the starting XI.
Clinton Nsiala – 7
Clinton Nsiala had a challenging game at Tynecastle given the attacking impetus Hearts played with throughout and mostly dealt with everything the Jambos had to offer.
The young French centre-back showed composure on the ball and competed well in the duel but was caught under the ball for Michael Steinwender’s Jambos equaliser.
Jefte – 6
Jefte put in a more disciplined showing at Hearts with the Rangers left-back not quite as aggressive going forward at Tynecastle.
The Hearts attack gave the Brazilian issues at times and although Jefte put in a tidy enough display, the defender wasn’t as influential going forward as he has been in recent matches.
Did put in a superb cross across the box in the closing stages of the match.
Nicolas Raskin – 6
Nicolas Raskin made nine recoveries in the match as Rangers’ midfield enforcer mopped up for the Gers at Tynecastle.
But the midfielder showed a lack of quality and composure on the ball at times and failed to thread Hamza Igamane in for fourth goal.
Has real defensive qualities and is a player who plays with passion but Raskin needs to show more control and quality in possession.
Mohamed Diomande – 8
Conversely, Mohamed Diomande played a little deeper against Hearts to help Rangers beat the Jambos press.
There were times in the first half in particular where Diomande was wasteful in possession and struggled to impose himself amid Heart’s aggression.
But as the match progressed, Diomande was crucial to Rangers retaining possession and building attacks with the midfielder composed on the ball and excellent at finding space.
Played a crucial role in the victory by putting his foot on the ball in midfield and kickstarting the move that led to Vaclav Cerny’s goal.
Tom Lawrence – 6
Philippe Clement explained that Tom Lawrence’s early season performances were behind the midfielder’s first start since November.
But given Hearts’ control of the first half, the Rangers midfielder struggled to impose himself on the game creatively.
Did show some neat touches and intricate passes but lacks fitness and energy and how Rangers use the Welshman could have a big impact on the end of the season.
Vaclav Cerny – 7
Vaclav Cerny’s return in terms of numbers is unarguable for Rangers this season and the winger once again popped up against Hearts to net his 14th goal of the campaign.
Getting the break of the ball to slot past Craig Gordon, Cerny had moments earlier rasped a left-foot effort wide of the post.
But despite that match-winning contribution, Cerny’s passing was incredibly wasteful throughout the match and the Czech international lacked composure.
Ianis Hagi – 8
Ianis Hagi has been asked to play out on the left such is Rangers’ lack of options in this area of the pitch for the Ibrox side.
Despite the temptation to drift inside, in the first half in particular Hagi was disciplined and found himself isolated against a Hearts defender time and again.
Played in the low cross that led to Jamie McCart’s first own goal and gave Rangers the lead, whilst it was Hagi’s dinked through ball that was turned in by the defender for Rangers’ third.
Yellow carded for a late challenge after losing the ball in a dangerous area in the first half.
Hamza Igamane – 6
Hamza Igamane didn’t have quite as influential a game for Rangers with the striker at times an isolated presence at the top end of the pitch.
Showed some good touches in the first half and almost fashioned a genuinely stunning solo goal with the score at 3-1.
Will have better and more impactful games for Rangers when the club is on top.
Substitutions:
Cyriel Dessers – 7: Subbed on for Tom Lawrence and played a key role in Rangers’ third goal. Showed good touches and hold up play throughout. Scored an offside goal.
Robin Propper – 6: Replaced John Souttar and was composed in the Rangers backline
Rafael Fernandes & Finlay Curtis – N/A: Subbed on for the final minutes of the game.
