Rangers' pressing sets the tempo as 'above average work rate' shows - Data match report

Giovanni van Bronckhhorst’s side needed an empathic response following their drop to second in the Premiership table and recorded the best offensive showing of the season by some margin, clocking an xG tally of 4.76.

Equally impressive was the organisation when not in possession which led to quick regains and consecutive attacks. Using StatsBomb data the Rangers Review offers a unique look back at the fixture.

Trendline 

At first glance, the trendline appears to only emphasise Rangers’ superiority throughout the fixture, but attention must be paid to the period before and after half time. From the 41st minute until the 52nd there were no attempts on Craig Gordon’s goal and four on Allan McGregor’s - as van Bronckhorst’s side sat deep their frailties were exposed while just one goal to the good.

The match reaffirmed what most supporters have felt for a number of weeks, the Ibrox side look vulnerable and their defensive shape is penetrable when they’re defending their own box.

Pass networks 

The teamsheet appeared to feature a midfield that would enable either full-back to join the attacking unit and while Calvin Bassey was involved offensively, both John Lundstram and Ryan Jack played higher than the left-back and James Tavernier.

The line-up suited vertical football moved from right to left, often moves would start with Scott Arfield coming inside and linking up on the right before play was funnelled across to the left. This is reflected in the slightly inverted right triangle compared to Ryan Kent's wide position. 

There was only one occasion when Hearts made their wing-backs count, Connor Goldson’s last-ditch block stopping Alex Cochrane soon before the break. Instead of marking up man for man the home side overloaded in central areas and Arfield constantly found pockets of space behind the midfield.

Shot maps 

The visitor’s high line proved a mistake on the day, but take nothing away from Rangers’ constant exposure of the space vacated.

Van Bronckhorst commented, “we were able to find the spaces behind the defence second half with the runs we had.”

READ MORE: Rangers' high-pressing ruthless rout is Giovanni van Bronckhorst's 'way to go forwards' - Joshua Barrie

Good shooting locations were regularly found and five goals were justification for the quality of chance created.

Hearts were able to create an xG total just shy of 1.

Pressure maps

Teams generally press for two reasons, to try and win the ball in opportune moments and regain possession to limit chasing the opposition for extended periods of time.

Rangers' off-ball work was better organised and more intense to enable both outcomes referenced.

They made 140 pressures (higher than their season average of 115), 31 pressure regains (higher than their season average 24) and 33 counterpressures (higher than their season average 27).

They held 57% of possession and pressed all over the pitch, only really sitting back during the period before and after the interval.

Hearts' more sporadic pressures demonstrate the opposite. Robbie Neilson's side faced plenty of pressure down the left side and the 219 pressures they attempted is evidence that playing possession-dominant football that encourages quick regains limits the off-ball energy a team must exude. 

Conclusion

Labelled by the manager as "the way to go forwards" this performance was a rare showing of superiority in a season that has featured plenty scraping by. Rangers must retain their relentless standards offered yesterday to get back top of the Premiership table.