Rangers 3 vs. Hibernian 0 Dec. 09 2006

GOAL’D RUSH

Was the Falkirk game really only one week ago? The change in attitude, performance, fortune and result is quite simply amazing!
The first half saw a quite superlative footballing lesson taught to the men in green and hopefully the same colour will face the same fate next weekend.
From front to back our passing game was excellent as time after time we sliced open this very fancied Hibs side.
This is the type of football that PLG wants us to play and he has now proved to himself, as well as us, that we can play that way. All it needs now is consistency.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Made the saves that were needed, which wasn’t many. Not the type of day for him to show us what he can really do. Thank god.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hutton: - One of his “up” performances of his very up and down season. Got forward exceptionally well to support Sionko and caused one or two problems of his own for the Hibs defence.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Svensson: - Albeit slowly, he is adapting to our game and is starting to look more of the player that we were all expecting when he signed. A big test will be to follow, follow next week.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hemdani: - Clean, tidy and efficient at the back against what is one of the most effective attacking sides in the SPL. Will be happy with his input to the team today.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Smith: - Good to see him return to the starting line up. Played like he’d never been away and will be happy with the clean sheet.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sionko: - His first start after a long spell out of the team and didn’t fail to impress. Direct, pacey dribbling terrorised the Hibs defence in the first half especially.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bazza: - Work rate, effort and a goal to boot. We really can’t ask anymore of him just now and long may it continue. Inspirational performance, which rubbed off on the rest of the team today.
Rmed Verdict: - 9

Clement: - Showing signs of rediscovering his best form. Negated the threat of Hibs midfield three and found time to push forward and create as well.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Adam: - Didn’t look as comfortable out wide as he does in the middle but gave a good showing with some decent strikes. Needs to produce the magic of his left foot more regularly.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Dado: - Shame on anyone who dared to suggest that the big man was passed it. Amazing performance in his more favoured strikers role. Gave the Hibs defence the run around and finished off one of Rangers best moves.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM left wing or striker? The debate may re-open)

Novo: - With a glut of goals on show he’ll be disappointed not to be among them. Did everything but score with a typical Nacho display. Linked very well with Prso in the adjusted 4.4.2 system.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sebo (On for Prso): - Must be disappointed not to have started. Missed a couple of chances when he came on.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Rae (On for Sionko): - Shored things up as we dropped the pace in the second half.
Rmed Verdict: - 3

Buffel (On for Novo): - Came on and his only moment of note was a yellow card for diving.
Rmed Verdict: - 3

PLG: - Changed the system and saw a terrific first half display. It shows what the team really can do when they click. Next weekend will be his next big test.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


The second half dampened spirits a bit, but nothing should take away from what was a terrific first half performance. We haven’t had enough positives to cling to this season so to beat a highflying goal hungry Hibs side by three goals to nil is definitely worth a bit of celebrating.


WATP

Baz.