Rangers 1-0 Hibs: Jack Butland’s penalty save helps hosts safe victory at Ibrox

Rangers wanted a Jack Butland penalty save as they laboured to 1-0 win over Hibernian at Ibrox.

The primary half was a story of two VAR checks as Rangers returned to a totally reopened Ibrox for the primary time within the league this season.

Tom Lawrence had his head in his palms after the offside flag appeared to have dominated out his gorgeous strike proper into the highest nook. Nonetheless, the Rangers ahead was quickly celebrating after the aim was given following a VAR test to substantiate he was truly onside.

Then, simply earlier than the half-time whistle, Hibernian got an opportunity to get again on degree phrases with a penalty after a VAR test adjudged John Souttar to have dealt with Mykola Kukharevych’s close-range shot from a nook. Nonetheless, Rangers have been reprieved as Jack Butland, who moments earlier than made an excellent save to maintain out Hyeok-kyu Kwon’s goalbound effort, guessed the appropriate approach to preserve out Kukharevych’s weak spot kick.

After the break, there was an unease at Ibrox. Rangers did not get going and so they needed to wait till the 74th minute for his or her first shot on course within the second half.

Substitute Cyriel Dessers ought to have wrapped up the sport for the hosts however goalkeeper Josef Bursik spectacularly stored out the striker’s header to maintain his facet within the recreation.

Rangers have been nearly made to pay for his or her lacklustre second half when sub Dwight Gayle headed Nicky Cadden’s cross agonisingly broad, however Philippe Clement’s facet held on to chop the hole to Celtic and Aberdeen on the prime of the desk to 5 factors.

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‘Tough for Rangers after Euro exploits’

Rangers boss Philippe Clement:

“The performance was not incredible, but that’s difficult playing that early after a European game away.

“The restoration time was a lot much less. Some leagues have a look at giving groups extra restoration time. I noticed much less freshness within the gamers than I’ve within the final couple of weeks. That is regular.”

On Hibs’ penalty, he added: “Sad just isn’t the appropriate phrase – extra confused. We mentioned this with the referees earlier than the season. The selections have been significantly better, however I do not see what John [Souttar] can do in a different way. It is a quick distance. He can not make his arms disappear.”

‘Another clean sheet the big positive for Rangers’

Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd at Ibrox:

“It is at all times troublesome coming off a European recreation in midweek, particularly when you’re away from house.

“There was also a lot of expectation coming back to Ibrox and playing in front of a full house.

“Rangers huffed and puffed. They obtained themselves forward via a incredible strike and sure, it is nice to get the three factors, and that is the best way Clement will have a look at it, however the second half must be rather a lot higher.

“Hibs will be really disappointed they haven’t taken anything from Ibrox. They were side forcing things after the break, forcing Rangers to defend.

“If there’s one factor Rangers and Clement can take confidence from it’s the truth that is now 4 clear sheets in a row. Defensively, they generally look uncomfortable, however they’re getting clear sheets.”

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