Rangers against Hearts is very rarely a dull affair and there can be no passengers carried for every difficult trip to Tynecastle.
Less than a month ago the two sides met in a dramatic match at Ibrox taking the total number of meetings since Philippe Clement arrived to three already – who says Scottish clubs play each other too often?
If Rangers are to win the league this season then beating teams like Hearts away from has to be the norm, but which players turned up for the manager and which ones would have been better staying in Glasgow?
Rangers v Hearts player ratings – Defence
Jack Butland – 7
Every game seems to be the same, at 0-0 and 1-0 he makes a big save to baile out his team.
Will be Michael Beale’s Sasa Papac.
James Tavernier – 7
Gave the ball away cheaply on too many occasions in the first half before doing what we all know he is capable of.
Great pass to play in Abdallah Sima for the opener.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 5
A willing runner throughout, grew into the game but his final ball or decision making could have been better.
Gets forgiven slightly for it being his first start in over a month.
Connor Goldson – 7
Struggled when Hearts played quicker and in triangles but stood up to the physical test and direct play.
Leon Balogun – 9
Similar to Goldson, he has his strengths but one of them isn’t chasing players who are smaller and quicker.
Carried the ball out from the back to beat Hearts press on a few occasions to good effect.
A colossus at set-pieces and long throws.
Midfield
John Lundstram – 7
Won the physical battle in the engine room and possession for his team, tried to get things going by releasing the ball quickly.
Tom Lawrence – 3
Another injury set-back and had to be replaced by Jose Cifuentes after just 15 minutes.
Massive blow for the manager and player.
Todd Cantwell – 8
Tireless, if not as effective as he was against St Mirren, found space difficult to come by as Hearts focussed attentions on him.
Did his best work in deeper areas and dribbling out of danger.
Great individual run at 1-0 to play in Ross McCausland.
Attack
Ross McCausland – 7
Has clearly settled into life in the first-team and is fully deserving of his place, unlucky not to score but for a good save from Zander Clark.
Abdallah Sima – 7
Philippe Clement can’t be far away from trying Sima through the middle of the attack where his finishing ability might be put to better use.
Great run and composed finish to put Rangers 1-0 up, not so great composure to stay onside when Kemar Roofe squared it for him and a chance not long after.
Danilo – 4
Wasted two clear-cut chances and will be disappointed not to have kicked on from his pre-international break form.
Needs a goal.
Substitutes
Jose Cifuentes – 7
Did well after coming on early doors even if his laces weren’t tied, as good as he has played for Rangers.
Stopped a few promising looking Hearts attacks.
Kemar Roofe – 5
Should have gone himself when clean through rather than squaring it for Sima.
Dujon Sterling – 7
Strong defensively and a couple of good runs forward.
