Detailed Rangers player ratings as Malik Tillman winner downs Hearts

Allan McGregor: Had to come sprinting out of his area to close down the onrushing Ginnelly five minutes in. That aside, he never had much to do as Hearts struggled to test him. 6

James Tavernier: Deliveries into the box were relatively poor in the first half and didn’t influence the game much in an attacking sense but improved in the second 45. 6

Leon King: Gave the ball away cheaply just seconds in but performed reasonably well. Dealt with the threat of Ginnelly and Shankland without too much fuss although McKay caused him a few issues. 6

Ben Davies: Strolled the game but was largely untested as Hearts looked to sit in and contain for much of the game. 6

Borna Barisic: Combined well with Kent with the pair playing neat give-and-goes down the left flank. Super assist into the path of Tillman to open the scoring. Booked by John Beaton for dissent after airing his grievance that Sibbick wasn't cautioned for pulling back Kent and he had every right to complain. 7

John Lundstram: Tried to assist the forward line with Sands tucked in behind and often took up position in advanced areas. Should’ve burst the net midway through the first half when the ball was laid on a plate by Kent but the Scouser was leaning back and fired over. Reverted back to the No.6 role when Arfield came on at the break. 6

James Sands: Battled well in the engine room, winning a number of duels and making interceptions. Went down 20 minutes in after being struck in the midriff by Shankland but soldiered on after treatment. Replaced by Arfield at the break. 5

Rabbi Matondo: The one change to the Rangers side with the Welshman replacing the injured Fashion Sakala. Started brightly and fired a ball across the face of goal in the opening stages but faded out of the game. Skinned Cochrane 11 minutes in but that was about it in terms of output until Halliday scythed him down on the stroke of half time. Hooked for Wright on the hour mark. 4

Malik Tillman: The American's second-half goal could prove to be so important for under-fire boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst. He did well to connect with a Barisic ball to slot past Gordon. He should’ve pulled the trigger within the first minute after carving open an opportunity when he combined with Kent but he turned into trouble and lost control of the ball. Prior to his goal he was causing Hearts a few problems, forcing a save out of Gordon and rifling into the side netting. 7

Ryan Kent: Had a bit of a mixed bag of a game up until the Tillman goal. His part in the move was sensational as he beat three Hearts players to lay the ball to Barisic to supply the American to finish. The confidence seemed to start oozing through him and he flashed a ball across the face of goal moments later but there were no takers. Rangers need more of this from him. Rightly cautioned for a tug on McKay in the second half. 7

Antonio Colak: The Croatian needs a goal. It's now eight matches without finding the back of the net. He should’ve done better when he found himself unmarked from a corner in the first half but volleyed tamely at Gordon. Attempted an audacious overhead kick five minutes into the second half but couldn’t direct it on target. Tested Gordon after a decent move on 61 minutes before being subbed for Morelos. 5

(Image: Rangers Review)

Substitutes

Scott Arfield: Replaced Sands at half time and added a bit more intensity and energy. He was visibly demanding more from his teammates and it paid off with a much-needed win. 6

Scott Wright: Replaced Matondo and his first touch was sublime as he set up a chance for Colak. Moments later he did well to deliver a teasing cross but no takers. Battled well and was always looking to drive forward. 5

Alfredo Morelos: Replaced Colak and did well to pick the pocket of Rowles before firing the ball into Arfield but he couldn't control. Blazed a shot over from the edge of the area late on. 3

Glen Kamara: Replaced Tillman in the closing stages and offered the composure and calmness to see out the game. 3