Rangers player ratings vs Hearts as title hopes all but vanish in Gorgie after second half implosion

Rangers lost 2-1 in their Premiership title race blockbuster against Hearts.

Tochi Chukwuani missed a good opening for the visitors to Gorgie before Dujon Sterling put them in front minutes later. Stephen Kingsley punished Rangers for failing to pounce on their strong start with a leveller after half-time and Lawrence Shankland sent the home fans wild soon after. Thelo Aasgaard hit the bar in response for Rangers but hopes of a first title since 2021 now look over.

The Light Blues headed to Gorgie in win or bust mode. Mathematically that perhaps wasn’t the case but going seven points off the league leaders with nine to play for would leave head coach Danny Rohl and co in need of a miracle. Losing against Motherwell eight days prior was a hugely damaging blow but hope could be restored ahead of facing Celtic were they to win this one.

Big calls were made in the XI with James Tavernier and Andreas Skov Olsen amongst those elected for from the off against a team yet to lose in the league at home this term. The home crowd were desperate to see their side break Old Firm dominance and their cauldron-like atmosphere aided Hearts in unsettling Rangers in the opening stages. Craig Halkett missed a header from close range as those in maroon were afforded time and space on the ball.

Mikey Moore and Nico Raskin soon drove at the home backline to bring some easing of pressure for the Light Blues. Chukwuani looked to be in prime position to put them a goal up but missed after a good corner routine offered him a header from mere yards out. Set piece joy would again be clinched for Rangers as James Tavernier’s throw in was flicked goalwards by Sterling, who’s shot looped over goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, and into the net as Rohl’s side were rewarded for weathering an early storm.

They were in full control with their opponents seeming a little spooked by a rare setback on their own patch. It’s as good a first half Rangers have turned in under Rohl and the only grievance at half-time was that their margin was not more. Hearts’ Claudio Braga wriggled in behind after the break to force Jack Butland into an easy stop, but it was a warning, that the visitors had to maintain levels found in the opening half.

It wasn’t heeded as Alexandros Kyziridis cut inside and Stephen Kingsley nipped in to restore parity. The game had completely got away from them as they now looked the apprehensive party, fully realised when Kingsley’s cross was met by a lovely Shankland strike. Tynecastle erupted as Rangers title hopes hang in the balance and Aasgard’s header coming off the bar only added to away pain. That was all they really offered in way of taking anything from this, and while it’s never wise to say never, the most dramatic of interventions are needed to see them crowned champions now. It could all be over before they even meet Celtic with Hearts in action the night before at Motherwell. Here’s how we rated the Rangers player vs Hearts.

Jack Butland - 5/10

A first half passenger due to good work in front of him. Not a lot could do about either of the goals.

James Tavernier - 6/10

Bringing his experience to a huge occasion. Great throw in to create havoc at goal. A calming presence and assured going both ways for most of the game but will rue allowing Kingsley’s cross for Shankland’s blast.

Emmanuel Fernandez - 6/10

Did a good job for an hour of taking away Shankland’s influence but stands way too far off him and allowed a shot that the striker converted.

Nasser Djiga - 7/10

Did a good job of helping to keep Shankland quiet and mark Braga out the game. Not a bad performance by any stretch.

Dujon Sterling - 6/10

In the right place to make a telling mark on the game. Not tight enough at the leveller.

Tochi Chukwuani - 5/10

Helped contribute to a commanding first half but lost the run of it after half-time. Jekyl and Hyde stuff.

Nico Raskin - 6/10

Dragged Rangers into the game and commanded proceedings when they got ahead. Hearts didn’t get a look in but leveller changed landscape. Influence waned and eventually subbed as he drifted out the game.

Mohamed Diomande - 7/10

Helped dominate the first half with strong passing and enforcing tackles. Neat passing continued after break but comes down a mark after the break like most of those around him.

Andreas Skov Olsen - 4/10

Huge chance for the Wolfsburg loanee. Picked the ball up in good areas but didn’t do a lot with it. Switches off at Kingsley goal. Questions over a possible permanent deal probably ringing for punters. Subbed first.

Youssef Chermiti - 5/10

A little clumsy on the ball but pressing and hold up work decent. Started losing battles after the break.

Mikey Moore - 7/10

A livewire. Constantly darting at the Hearts backline and looked most dangerous in an attacking sense. Free role allowed Tottenham loanee to cause issues all over the pitch. Subbed after recent knock.

Djeidi Gassama - 3/10

On after an hour.

Ryan Naderi - 3/10

Back from injury and handed almighty task.

Thelo Aasgaard - 4/10

Norwegian looking to unlock the Hearts backline and almost netted an unorthodox leveller.

Tuur Rommens - 3/10

Another returning from injury.

Bojan Miovski - N/A

Striker thrown on as things got desperate.

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