Rangers had to dig deep to earn a crucial three points after a narrow win over Hibernian at Easter Road. This victory is their second straight Scottish Premiership victory. The game spoiled the Hibs’ wild run of 22 straight home games with a goal. It ended their streak of 16 matches without defeat on home turf. Rangers’ shot-stopper Jack Butland was the undisputed hero of the day. He pulled off a penalty save that proved to be very important in the dying minutes to keep the clean sheet.
The turning point of the game came early on. At just five minutes into the game, Danilo put Rangers in front with a goal. That was his second goal in as many matches, highlighting his increasing impact within the team. Even though the Rangers controlled play in the first period, it was all in the neutral zone. Their physical defense kept Hibernian from ever threatening to score a goal.
First Half Control
Even from the kickoff, Rangers really sent a message with what they wanted to do, and what they could do to take control of this match. Danilo’s blistering opener already had the crowd buzzing, but the team’s resiliency allowed them to hold firm into the half hour mark. Hibernian had great difficulty in getting behind Rangers’ deep-lying block and breaking their shape, making it difficult to manufacture obvious opportunities.
Rangers’ midfield and backline effectively thwarted Hibernian’s attacks, which were limited primarily to long-range efforts and isolated opportunities. The visitors, guided by their new German head coach Danny Röhl, were impressively drilled without the ball to stifle their opponents’ clear chances.
In his post-match reflection, Röhl said he was proud of the effort shown by the team.
“A clean sheet and a one-nil win. I said to the boys that I’m very proud of them and the effort today. I think there’s the spirit, the fighting spirit, until the end, and then, yeah, you deserve to win the game.” – Danny Röhl
Second Half Challenges
As the second half developed, Rangers were met with a spirited Hibs who were looking to draw the game level. The home team cranked up the pressure, looking for an equalizer and Rangers’ D-men had to focus. This stretch exposed the ugly side of each team’s toughness as both struggled for supremacy and dominance of the game.
Hibernian had some good moments in transition and plenty of times when they were dangerous on the counter-attack. Each time they looked like sinking the knife, Rangers responded with unshaken resolve. The visitors’ back five, with Butland marshalling his area like a British bulldog, stood firm despite continuing pressure.
Hibernian had an incredible chance to win the match in the 87th minute when they were awarded a penalty. This changing point came after a questionable foul was called in the box. Butland helped his own cause by saving Jamie McGrath’s penalty, his third of the season.
“It’s always, it’s always potluck. I’m happy, I did my homework a little bit, and it paid off. But it was important for us. We’re a young group. We’re a new group that’s learning that’s been through a lot, really, some difficult times.” – Jack Butland
Game Reflections
The final whistle sealed either club’s fate and Rangers’ inaugural clean sheet in 25 all competitions. This was the first time Rangers have accomplished this impressive feat since mid-December. This clean sheet is all the more impressive considering it was earned against the notoriously competitive Scottish Premiership.
On Hibernian’s behalf, manager David Gray was gracious in his assessment. He admitted that they had opportunities to retake the lead in the game. They lost those opportunities before they even had a chance to grab them.
“We gifted them a goal first half. I don’t think they really created much after that. I thought we had enough clear chances to get back into the game without really doing enough.” – David Gray
Gray also wanted to make the point that, even though the result showed a loss on the scoreboard, his team was not outplayed.
“I don’t think it’s as if I can stand here and say we got played off the pitch and we deserve to lose the game and we’re well beaten. Because I don’t, I don’t think that.” – David Gray
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