Rangers player ratings v Hearts – 9/10 Cantwell wows, 3/10 is horrific
Rangers booked their place in the Scottish Cup final after their 2-0 win against Hearts at Hampden Park on Sunday afternoon (21 April).
Cyriel Dessers bagged a delightfully-taken opening goal in the fifth minute and then netted again in the 78th minute to secure an Old Firm showdown in the final.
Hearts generated plenty of opportunities to give Philippe Clement’s side a challenge, but their lack of potency in front of goal allowed the Gers to coast to a deserved victory.
Football Insider has analysed the Rangers starting line-up’s performances against the Edinburgh side.
PLAYER RATINGS
Jack Butland [8]
Made two crucial saves in the first half to deny Hearts an equaliser and commanded his box with the leadership Rangers fans have come to expect. Dependable as always.
Dujon Sterling [7]
Proved a quality attacking outlet on the left-hand side and successfully halted Jorge Grant’s runs out wide. Managed 80 per cent pass accuracy and was especially dangerous in the attacking areas, even if he did not provide a killer moment.
John Souttar [3]
Horrific at times. Kept Hearts relatively quiet in the opening 45, but nearly gifted them an equaliser in the 52nd minute when he was easily dispossessed by Grant on the right wing. He was fortunate that his defence saved him on multiple occasions after he made two massive mistakes that led to dangerous Hearts chances. Could have single-handedly killed Rangers’ hopes of a double.
Leon Balogun [6]
Made a crucial tackle in the 57th minute to save Souttar’s blushes after he was tackled again to allow a Hearts attack. Won 60 per cent of his attempted tackles and secured a respectable 82 per cent pass accuracy.
James Tavernier [7]
Got caught out on more than one occasion which allowed Hearts to spring some dangerous attacks and his typically quality set-piece deliveries were often wayward. However, he proved his worth in the second half having won 100 per cent of his tackles and having 90 touches – the second most of the while starting line-up.
John Lundstram [5]
Coped with the looming Hearts pressure and kept possession well having managed 101 touches at 88 per cent pass accuracy. However, a wayward pass in the first half fell right to Alan Forestt who, if not for another quality stop from Butland, would have notched an equaliser. Mixed.
Mohamed Diomande [8]
Dominated the midfield and his aggression proved vital for Rangers’ attack. He won 100 per cent of his attempted tackles and secured 83 per cent pass accuracy. Vital.
Rabbi Matondo [6]
Was very lively and progressed the ball up the field well, but missed a golden chance to double Rangers’ lead late in the first half. With just 69 per cent pass accuracy, he was often wasteful in possession.
Todd Cantwell [9]
His brilliant footwork inside the box was crucial for Dessers’ opener and he often pulled the strings in the Rangers midfield. Was vital for Dessers’ second strike with his mazy dribble and quality ball retention. With 89 per cent pass accuracy, he was a constant thorn in Hearts’ side.
Abdallah Sima [N/A]
Was forced off through injury after just 16 minutes in a huge blow to Rangers. Was replaced by Ross McCausland, who filled in well when called upon. Fans will hope that Sima will have a role to play at some point this season.
Cyriel Dessers [7]
Took his opening goal exceptionally after wriggling around the Hearts defence. His two finishes were clinical and he remained a nuisance up top. He had two golden chances to bag himself a hat trick. Inconsistent, but the difference-maker.
In other news, Fulham, Sheffield United and Southampton plot raids to sign Ibrox star.
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