Hearts’ Comeback Sends Message to Rangers
Hearts delivered a remarkable performance at Tynecastle that significantly boosted their Premiership title aspirations and effectively ended Rangers’ championship hopes. The home side faced a tough first half, where Rangers took the lead through a goal by Dujon Sterling. However, a tactical shift at halftime, led by manager Derek McInnes, turned the game around completely.
The introduction of Blair Spittal was pivotal in shifting the momentum in Hearts’ favor. Stephen Kingsley equalized with a crucial goal, and Lawrence Shankland sealed the victory with a stunning finish that delighted the fans.
With this result, Rangers now find themselves seven points behind Hearts, with only three games remaining in the season. Paul Forsyth provides an in-depth analysis of both teams’ performances, highlighting key moments and player contributions.
Hearts Player Ratings
Alexander Schwolow – 7
Schwolow provided solid defense for most of the match, though he struggled with one cross that resulted in Aasgaard hitting the bar.
Michael Steinwender – 6
Steinwender showed determination despite the system changes, playing much of the game with a bandage on his head.
Craig Halkett – 7
Halkett displayed strength and leadership throughout the game. His header over was the only effort from Hearts in the first half.
Stuart Findlay – 7
Findlay’s misjudged clearing header led to the equalizer, but he remained strong when needed and was rewarded for his efforts.
Stephen Kingsley – 7.5
Kingsley pushed forward after a half-time reshuffle, becoming involved in every aspect of the game. He capitalized on a loose ball to score the equalizer.
Beni Baningime – 6.5
Once he adapted to the opponents’ numbers in midfield, Baningime was sharp and competitive in the tackle.
Marc Leonard – 6.5
Leonard demonstrated excellent positional sense and distribution. His deep free kicks to the back post were a useful weapon.
Islam Chesnokov – 3
Chesnokov struggled in the early stages, often playing as a No 10 without making an impact. He was substituted at halftime.
Alexandros Kyziridis – 6.5
Kyziridis shifted between wings in a poor first half but came to life after the break, setting up the equalizer with a shot off the post.
Claudio Braga – 7
Braga struggled to get into the game initially but gradually improved, with one effort comfortably saved.
Lawrence Shankland – 8
Shankland needed just one chance and made the most of it. His brilliant movement and finishing put Hearts ahead.
Substitutes:
Spittal (Chesnokov, 46), McCart (Kyziridis, 82), Kabore (Braga, 82), Kent (Kingsley, 90), Altena (Shankland, 93).
Not used:
Fulton, Forrest, Kerjota, Mato.
Manager Assessment
Derek McInnes – 7.5
McInnes got his selection wrong initially but made the necessary changes to turn the game around.
Rangers Player Ratings
Jack Butland – 7
Butland couldn’t be blamed for either goal. His tremendous save prevented Spittal from scoring again.
James Tavernier – 5.5
Tavernier’s long throw, which resembled a corner, led to the goal. However, he was absent during the equalizer.
Emmanuel Fernandez – 6
Fernandez became increasingly stretched as the game progressed. He didn’t carry his usual threat in the opponents’ penalty area.
Nasser Djiga – 6
Djiga had a good first half but wilted under pressure. He was criticized by fans for laughing and joking at full-time.
Dujon Sterling – 7
Sterling was comfortable at left-back until Hearts changed shape. He scored the opener with a scruffy, deflected shot.
Tochi Chukwuani – 6.5
Chukwuani dominated the early stages, breaking up play and moving the ball efficiently. Later, he lost control of the game.
Mohamed Diomande – 6.5
Making a rare start, Diomande added an extra midfielder for Rangers. He worked well with Chukwuani until the game turned.
Nico Raskin – 6.5
Raskin had freedom to run beyond in a three-man midfield. He was sacrificed when Rangers needed an extra striker.
Andreas Skov Olsen – 5.5
A surprise starter, Skov Olsen was slightly more influential than usual but disappeared in the second half and was substituted.
Mikey Moore – 6
Moore was an elusive figure in the front three, dropping short for the ball and then running with it. He showed promise but fizzled out.
Youssef Chermiti – 6
Chermiti looked the part when things were going Rangers’ way but dropped out of the game when they weren’t.
Substitutes:
Gassama (Skov Olsen, 69), Rommens (Sterling, 75), Aasgaard (Moore, 75), Naderi (Raskin, 75), Miovski (Diomande, 83).
Not used:
Kelly, Aarons, Barron, Antman.
Manager Assessment
Danny Rohl – 6
Rohl set his team out well but had no answers when his opposite number changed tactics.
Referee Performance
John Beaton – 6
