It would be safe to say Rangers rather laboured to a turgid 1-0 win today at Ibrox, over a travelling Hibs side that might think they deserved more.
Ibrox Noise brings you our ratings on what they probably call ‘winning ugly’.
Butland:
Guessed right for the save, literally, and got an easy stop from a weak pen, and was forced into a few fairly modest saves otherwise. Hibs did offer him some threat but none of it was dangerous enough to really test him. 6
Tavernier:
Quiet display from Tavernier who is offering more defensively now under Clement’s tweaked system, even if v Hibs he did get forward with a few crosses. Tackled a lot again, and Hibs didn’t get past him too much. 6
Souttar:
A huge amount of clearances as Hibs offered a lot of crossing from their right and pushed centrally, but was caught red handed for the penalty. Butland bailed him out. A mixed bag for the Scotland international. 6
Propper:
Wasted two or three good headed chances, and the defensive partnership with Souttar just about held firm even if he didn’t look as assured this time. But did produce a massive late block which possibly prevented a goal. 6
Jefte:
Was Rangers’ main outlet on the left by a mile, bombed up a tonne to swing in loads of crosses and offer overlaps, but was also big at the back to cover the rearguard. Limited Hibs to mostly harmless crosses from his side. Probably Rangers’ best player on the day. 8
Barron:
Still looks a bit off that sparkling start, some wayward passes and isn’t owning the middle like he did. But does still press well and while a bit headless chicken he did nullify a lot centrally. 6
Raskin:
Absolutely wasn’t in this match, only touched the ball 30 times and in his position that is poor. Yes he’s better off the ball than on it, but we needed more and his defensive duties were a bit underwhelming too. Rightly removed on HT. Strange starting selection. 4
McCausland:
Nailed an assist for Tom Lawrence’s belting finish but didn’t offer a lot otherwise. One or two nice runs but it’s clear to see why this lad isn’t a Rangers starter and probably offers more from the bench. Removed at HT. 5
Lawrence:
Again, it’s the same review for Lawrence every time. Scores goal, he really does, but offers little else. It’s a bizarre assessment, but he’s a playmaker and should playmake. He just doesn’t. But he did score a sensational goal that turned out to be the winner. 7
Cerny:
The Czech was clearly feeling a hit from Thursday’s terrible miss and his confidence to beat men wasn’t there. Mostly turned back the way and wasn’t looking energetic. Mostly clean passing but it wasn’t progressive. Seemed to start a bit of a spat with fans and that wasn’t a good idea either. 5
Igamane:
Very poor. He is a long way from being ready. He’s shown a lot as an impact sub, but on this evidence he is miles below where he needs to be to play for Rangers. 24 touches and he sat too deep for most of it. His passing was dreadful and he was taken off after 55. 4
Subs:
Bajrami:
Hard working guy this lad, once again out of position but he gave it what he had and his passing was excellent. He looks a good find, and we look forward to him getting fully up to speed with this team. 7
Dessers:
Barely in it – had one shot (header, brilliant save) but otherwise looked out of pace from the game. 4
Dowell:
We never quite know why this guy gets used as much as he does. He doesn’t do much ‘wrong’ per se, but not much ‘productive’ either. 5
Sterling:
Came on for Cerny as RW and in truth caused a few issues for Hibs. Won a free kick in a dangerous position. Not the worst cameo. 6
Manager:
After our exalted praise of him midweek, back to reality. Bizarre starting XI, weird tactics, strange subs, and a team who looked terrible throughout the 90. Then he had the absolute brass neck to blame the team’s flight home and that they were tired. Utterly embarrassing. He got away with one here but this is the Philippe Clement we really can’t be bothered with. 4