The unorthodox Rangers shape that overwhelmed Hibs

The visitors went ahead early on but were reduced to 10-men before half-time – Ryan Porteous seeing red for a dangerous lunge on Joe Aribo.

Steven Gerrard’s side grabbed the ascendancy and came from behind to earn the victory. Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos both scoring headers provided by either full-back.

The Rangers Review brings you a unique look back at the game in our StatsBomb tactical and data-driven match recap.

Trendline

Following the match, Gerrard reaffirmed the aggressive stance he wanted his team to kick off with. That isn’t reflected on chances created – it took the Porteous red for the hosts to really look like scoring.

From that point onwards they were in complete control. Don’t make the mistake of presuming that is always the case - playing against 10 men can often see less space available in offensive areas.

The home defence did a good job of keeping Martin Boyle and Kevin Nisbet quiet too as they chased goals.

Rangers pinned back the visitors with a tempo that didn't allow time to reset. The second-half chances created on the trendline display the regularity with which they drove forward.

Average positions

Starting XI

Gerrard was intentional with his team selection, lining up in an asymmetrical 4-2-3-1 as seen above. This average position map is perfectly balanced for a few reasons – vertically and horizontally the zones of the pitch are occupied.

Look at the positioning of Scott Wright and Ianis Hagi, tucked into either half-space with room outside for each full-back. The left side is stationed deeper to combat Hibs’ preference for attacks down the right. 

Everything went through John Lundstram on the day. The midfielder was involved in all six highest common pass combinations while having the highest xGChain and most touches of any player.

As predicted, the visitors game plan was to overload the right side - clearly visible in their starting XI pass network. 

READ MORE: As Rangers find answers again, there is now a different side of this team to enjoy - Joshua Barrie

Second-half XI

Up until Juninho Bacuna replaced Joe Aribo after Morelos’ goal the hosts were playing with a front six. They retained width well and moved the ball quickly to disrupt the home defence as much as possible.

Shots and goals

The visitors were limited to just one opportunity in the home side’s box – however, a review of the space Nisbet worked for his goal is perhaps of slight concern.

Both Nathan Patterson and Connor Goldson get sucked to the run of Boyle which left Nisbet free to score.

In a congested area, a number of efforts from the Ibrox outfit were blocked – they will be pleased to have created an xG of 2.13 compared to their opponent's 0.21.

Patterson’s chance on 64 minutes drew a frustrated response from his manager and it’s clear to see why. Hagi should have been released in space.

Roofe and Morelos both demonstrated excellent movement to score – small darts in both scenarios created the room required to header home unopposed.

Pressure maps

This wasn’t a game where much can be learned from the pressure of either team without the ball – due to the early red card.

Rangers’ applied pressure most regularly on their left where, as shown above, they were deeper than the opposite flank to compensate for Hibs’ offensive threat.

The remainder of the game following Porteous’ red was played in the opponent’s half. Hibs sat in a low block and engaged Rangers in the highlighted areas.

An area of interest was how Ross’ side pressed their opponents in the build-up phase when the game was 11 vs 11.

READ MORE: Pundits defending Ryan Porteous are ignoring the laws of the game - Rangers video debate

Scott Allan joined Boyle and Nisbet in a narrow three, and a central midfielder would jump onto any Rangers player that tried to receive in pressure.

Alternatively, if the ball went out wide, the ball-sided wing-back would press high onto either full-back.

The hosts did manage to play through thanks to Kamara's press-resistant attributes at times - however, the lack of Ryan Kent's pace in behind meant the hosts could push their backline high to compensate for their front line.

Gerrard commented post-match that the second-half showing from his team was far closer to his liking. Despite playing 10-men Rangers displayed a tempo in that period that hasn't been on show enough this term.

His side remain top of the Premiership - and with gears to go.