AFTER an underwhelming start to the year Rangers rediscovered their relentless standards with a convincing 5-0 win over Hearts on Sunday.
The goals scored differed in their nature and Hearts’ capitulation after the game went 2-0 was a contributing factor. Regardless, the xG amassed of 4.76 shows on the basis of chance creation a win of such significance was merited.
Whether it be the ability to play through the pitch, aggression to cause high turnovers or creating one-v-ones in high areas the hosts set the bar for future performances, evident upon closer analysis of each strike.
1-0: Alfredo Morelos
To open the scoring, Ryan Jack switches possession to the left with the defensive side overloading the right.
In keeping one compact, the visitors have left themselves vulnerable to this switch of play, but Calvin Bassey has plenty to do when he picks up the ball.
Taking up an infield role he appears to open his hips in a bid to find Ryan Kent by the touchline, but quickly reverses possession into the passing lane his initial movement creates.
Kent also moves towards the ball before spinning behind, leaving Nathaniel Atkinson who in the first frame is focusing on Bassey and anticipating the pass in red, stranded.
Kent crosses first time to find the onrushing Alfredo Morelos.
2-0: Alfredo Morelos
To add a second the rotations on the right were utilised, looking at the pass map this was the area in which Hearts were understaffed as they became drawn to the Rangers left. Meanwhile, Scott Arfield regularly came infield while Jack and James Tavernier ran beyond, the combination play on either flank was excellent.
Jack receives the throw and plays in Morelos, entirely free as no Hearts defenders want to leave gaps in the backline, bear this in mind for a later entry.
The defending here is poor but Jack’s run beyond gives Stephen Kingsley a decision to make. He cannot close down Morelos due to the threat of Arfield and Jack and although Morelos’ pass is misplaced, the space he has eaten up in the initial carry means he can score from the loose ball.
3-0: Glen Kamara
To make it three, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men were rewarded for their proactive defensive approach. Winning the ball from Barrie McKay, the side has plenty of room to play into with Hearts set up to attack.
As detailed earlier Rangers recorded above-average counterpressure, pressure and pressure regain totals as they put in a far better showing off the ball.
Playing a one-two with Arfield, Kamara drops the ball into Joe Aribo before, crucially, continuing his run beyond. Having won the ball back with space to attack the trademark runs under van Bronckhorst from midfield proved profitable again.
4-0: Scott Arfield
The game was well and truly done by this point but regardless the tempo and aggression Rangers continued to play with has been relatively absent this campaign and is worth highlighting.
Playing out from the back in this instance, Connor Goldson plays into the feet of Arfield and the midfielder flicks the ball around the corner for Morelos. This time a player has come out of the defence in Kingsley, creating a gap that can be penetrated.
Tavernier overlaps before reversing possession back infield and Arfield plays a one-two with Kent who also reverses the ball.
Notice the area in which he finds room, with Kingsley having initially been dragged up the park at the start of the move Hearts' backline is opened up to concede a fourth.
5-0: Fashion Sakala
Again it’s important to highlight that in Robbie Neilson’s words the visitors “seemed to capitulate” after the game went 2-0. Fashion Sakala’s fifth was still an example of the high-tempo football that can point to future success for the Ibrox side, however.
The ball was moved wide again to Kent on the right touchline who beat his man superbly, aided by Morelos dropping off the front line and creating gaps to play into.
A look at the Colombian's pass map shows how frequently he dropped deep but crucially, he was in the box when it counted.
Kent was able to race away and again play a superb final ball. Sakala’s finish was neat and tidy.
Conclusion
The 5-0 showing was full of energy, creativity and crucially solutions on and off the ball.
Utilising a wide range of attacking options space was exploited behind the Hearts line, central pockets opened up with clever rotations and Morelos and Arfield were always a good option to play through pressure.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here