Hibs and Rangers played out an even contest at Easter Road, the entertaining match eventually finishing 2-2.
Drey Wright scored after 22 minutes to give Jack Ross’ side the lead but there was to be a blow before half time, Alfredo Morelos blasting past Ofir Marciano seconds before the interval. Scott Arfield fully turned the game after 56 minutes, putting the Ibrox outfit ahead.
Christian Doidge would make sure Hibs got a point for their efforts against Steven Gerrard’s side with a header just under 20 minutes from time. It’s another strong performance in a great start to the season for the Hibees whilst they also simultaneously put a dent in Rangers’ title bid.
It was the immovable object meeting the equally similar immovable object in this one. Ross’ men hadn’t conceded from open play whilst Rangers had not let anyone score against them at all this term. But that record would shatter at Easter Road fairly early on.
Martin Boyle was the architect of Hibs’ opener and the first Rangers have conceded this season inside 22 minutes. He got the ball on the right, showed some good movement, and fired it across goal to the feet of Wright who nutmegged Jon McLaughlin, making sure Hibs had reward for their decent start.
The Hibees were going about their business aggressively, reminding the Gers they were in a game on countless occasions with strong challenges and battles. Steven Gerrard’s men hadn’t really troubled Ofir Marciano in the first half.
But the Israeli finally conceded from open play in the first half’s stoppage time. A ball into the Hibs box found Morelos at the backpost, who on his first start for a month, chested the ball down and blasted it high into the net.
It was a blow for Ross as his side would have been worth a 1-0 half time lead on merit. Alas it was all square at the break and it would be interesting to see how both teams responded as the game picture changed very quickly.
And inside 11 minutes of the first half Rangers were leading. Ianis Hagi played a superb return ball to play in Arfield, who made no mistake with the finish past Marciano. The away team had started stronger and they made sure to make that count.
Marciano had to make a super stop to deny Ryan Kent from taking the game away from Hibs. He danced through on goal, a strong hand from the Easter Road stopper denying the Liverpool academy product from doubling the Gers advantage.
Dominating the ball, Gerrard’s men were on top. But Hibs were still well in this, McLaughlin pulling out a low hand to deny Ryan Porteous with from just a few yards out.
Doidge would do what his centre-back pal couldn’t. Boyle again put a teasing ball into the box, the Welshman throwing himself at the cross as he put his team back on level terms.
Ross would again have his keeper to thank 10 minutes from time. Arfield was put clean through on goal for another goal, Marciano pulling out an unbelievable double save to keep Rangers at bay.
That would help earn Hibs a point as the game finished 2-2, Ross’ men now sitting five points clear in third. Here are three things we learned.
Timing is key
Hibs were arguably the stronger team during the first 45 minutes. But just as it looked they would have 15 minutes to regroup with the game at 1-0, Morelos changed the game with a goal in first half stoppage time.
This seemed to galvanize Rangers and the away team took control of the second half’s opening exchanges. An away team goal late in the first 45 made the second half contest very different to what it would have been without one, although Hibs will still be pleased with the game as whole.
Aggressive Hibees
Ross’ instructions seemed to be one of not letting Rangers settle on the ball. His players made sure that didn’t happen, hassling the visitors as soon as they touched the ball.
That did bring about some harsh challenges on the opposition and a few bookings, but it did the trick in the first half especially. A moment of quality from Hagi had them undone in the second half before Doidge sealed a point with 20 minutes to go.
Defensive breaches
Both teams have been solid in defence this season but for the first time they were breached. Boyle’s cross for the game’s opener caught the Rangers backline flatfooted, allowing Wright to slot home.
At the other end, Morelos was left free at the backpost to notch the Gers’ equaliser before a moment of Hagi skill had the Hibees defence beaten again for the away team’s second. Doidge would get the better of Goldson for the Hibees’ second, throwing the Gers defender out the way to get his team a point.