Usually, when you keep a clean sheet on the road against one of the division’s better sides, that often means your defence has done a pretty solid job.
But those who tuned in to watch Rangers grind out an unconvincing 0-0 draw away to Heart of Midlothian on Saturday afternoon – their Premiership title challenge beginning with a whimper rather than a roar – will know that a shutting out of Steven Naismith’s dangerous frontline was very much a one-man effort.
Reigning Player of the Year Jack Butland, as he did throughout last term, came to Rangers’ rescue on numerous occasions.
He almost single-handedly kept Lawrence Shankland – linked with a move to Ibrox again in midweek – off the scoresheet.
Butland certainly was not helped by the ragtag backline ahead of him. Ridvan Yilmaz’s performance will have given plenty of encouragement to new signing Jefte Vital, James Tavernier nearly scored a late own goal, and John Souttar struggled badly as the boos rained down at his old Tynecastle home.
As for Ben Davies, it’s fair to say his dreams tonight will be haunted by the bludgeoning presence of Hearts forward Kenneth Vargas.
Ben Davies struggles as Rangers are held at Hearts
Vargas’ classic combination of pace and power gave the former Liverpool misfit headaches throughout.
And with Robin Propper to come in – the former FC Twente captain snapped up for what Philippe Clement feels is a bargain fee of just £1.5 million – this was hardly the performance befitting a man hoping to nail down a starting berth for months to come.
“Vargas’ pace is causing massive problems to Ben Davies,” former Rangers captain Lee McCulloch told the BBC Sport during their live coverage.
“I think, with the chances both teams have had, (Hearts and Rangers) will have felt they deserved to come away with three points.
“The game for the neutral was really good to watch. We just didn’t get the goals we wanted.”
Two dropped points on the road mean Rangers could find themselves playing catch up already, with just one matchday down. Premiership holders Celtic host Kilmarnock at Parkhead in Sunday’s late kick-off.
Philippe Clement hails Connor Barron and Vaclav Cerny
It wasn’t all frustration for Gers boss Clement, however.
The Belgian was pleased with what he saw from new recruits Connor Barron and Vaclav Cerny. The former impressed with his purpose and poise for 83 minutes while the latter showcased a few touches of class following his second-half introduction.
“Connor played a a good game but not at the level that he played in the pre-season,” Clement tells the official Rangers YouTube channel. “But it’s also his first competitive game for Rangers.
“He will be a big asset for the future. The short short-term future but also for sure the long-term future.”
“(With Vaclav) you saw directly when he came on, his qualities; to be calm on the ball to make the right decisions. He’s an experienced player and with with a lot of quality,” Clement adds of the Czech Republic international.
“So we need to get a few more of those types in and that will help also our young players to grow.”
