Rangers dropped two points on the opening day of the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season after being held to an entertaining goalless draw by Hearts in front of a packed Tynecastle.
A new campaign often brings fresh optimism and a renewed sense of belief, but this was a hugerly concerning performance from Philippe Clement’s new-look side in the capital, looking second best for large spells of the contest against a well-drilled Jambos outfit.
Returning to the scene of their six-goal thriller on the final day of last season, the Ibrox side were on the backfoot from the outset. The opening 45 minutes was dominated by the men in maroon with Jack Butland by far the busier of the two goalkeepers. He made important saves from Hearts’ skipper Lawrence Shankland and debutant James Penrice inside the opening 15 minutes, while the visitors struggled to conjure up much in the way of an attacking threat.
Frontman Cyriel Dessers wasted three good chances to notch an opening-day hat-trick, with the best of the Nigerian’s opportunities coming in the second half when his close-range header bounced off the woodwork.
The Gers were forced into some last-ditch defending inside the final 10 minutes, with a series of set-piece chances falling the way of Steven Naismith’s side. Substitute Blair Spittal almost broke the deadlock late on when Butland got himself in a tangle with veteran defender Leon Balogun, but his effort was deflected away to safety.
Clement’s men remain a work in progress on this evidence after a summer of turmoil both on and off the pitch. In the end, the Belgian boss will be happier to settle for a share of the spoils, a result which extend the Gers unbeaten run against the Gorgie outfit to 16 meetings.
5. Ridvan Yilmaz - 3/10
Opted for the direct long ball approach early on when a short pass would've been the better option. Lost the ball too often and was involved in an altercation with Steven Naismith right in front of the Hearts dugout. A few clumsy touches going forward. Not a good showing in his bid to nail down the left-back spot. | SNS Group
6. Connor Barron - 7/10
Got stuck in. Had a driven effort from 20 yards tipped behind by Clark after 19 mins. Survived a strong penalty appeal after Dhanda's cross appeared to strike his hand from close proximity. Worked his socks off. The debutant can be pleased with his performance. Subbed. | Getty Images
7. Mohamed Diomande - 6/10
Tidy in possession and combined well with Barron. Made a couple of dangerous passes that almost carved open the Hearts backline. Booked for a late challenge on Devlin. | SNS Group
.jpg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
8. Tom Lawrence - 6/10
Won his side a few free-kicks in threatening positions and was involved in plenty of the action without seriously testing the keeper. Arrowed a half-volley towards the top-right corner but Clark got across well to make a stunning stop. | SNS Group