Hibs were looking for their third consecutive league victory going into the game, having lost only one of their last five league games as they sat in third place. Meanwhile, Rangers were looking to continue from their victory against Kilmarnock at Ibrox last weekend, and climb up the table from fifth place as new manager Danny Röhl looked to steer the club back on track following the sacking of Russell Martin.
First Half
18,550 packed inside Easter Road awith the atmosphere rocking for what was set to be another classic. The game kicked off as expected with Hibs in their usual green-and-white and Rangers donning a recently-released orange kit.
Hibernian started fast with early pressure into the Rangers half with the crowd willing them on. A Hibs corner was cleared by the away side out of danger.
The unexpected happened however, as Rangers got the break of the ball with £8 million man Youssef Chermiti sliding the ball to Danilo; unleashing a wonderful left footed shot from the edge of the box into the back of the net- giving Rangers a surprise lead after only 5 minutes.
Despite the goal, Hibs continued to threaten with half-chances from Nicky Cadden and Thibaut Klidje, both denied by Jack Butland and Wolves loanee Nasser Djiga.
Rangers stayed in the game as they progressed into the Hibs final-third and chances by Mikey Moore and Jayden Meghoma, who picked up a booking, were dealt with by Raphael Sallinger in the Hibs net.
As the game flowed for the rest of the half, Boney M. proved most popular at Easter Road as both sets of fans took turns using their song “Daddy Cool” in appreciation of their respective managers David Gray and Danny Röhl.
Scotland international Grant Hanley picked up a booking before referee John Beaton signalled his whistle to bring an end to a tight first half with Rangers possessing the one goal advantage.
Second Half
The second half started with Rangers changer, as Jayden Meghoma and goalscorer Danilo made way for Djeidi Gassama and captain James Tavernier. Connor Barron also picked up a booking in what was a feisty physical affair.
The match remained cagey approaching the hour mark as Hibernian looked to add a spark to the game with attacking options Martin Boyle, Ellie Youan and Junior Hoilett coming onto the pitch for Kieran Bowie, Dan Barlaser and Thibaut Klidje, who exited proceedings in some discomfort. Mikey Moore also left the pitch for Norwegian international Thelo Aasgaard.
The physical battle continued as a series of tackles went unpunished by referee Beaton causing frustration among the Hibs faithful, further adding to being a goal down in the final portion of the game.
Hibs pressure ramped up in the final 15 minutes as Bojan Miovski looked to add to Rangers lead coming on for Youssef Chermiti, applauded by the section of away fans after an industrious shift.
As the game entered the final 5 minutes, the Rangers players would have been forgiven for thinking they were about to record an important away win, however the Hibs press paid off. Junior Hoilett snatched onto a slip by Rangers skipper Tavernier before driving into the box, leaving Connor Barron with no choice but to bring down the Canadian international, causing a roar from the home support as John Beaton pointed to the penalty sport.
Jamie McGrath placed the ball and took a breath, as hopeful Hibees watched on under the lights in Leith. He would, however, come to be denied as penalty specialist Jack Butland would dive to his bottom right corner and make the save with his outstretched arm.
This was Butland’s sixth penalty save out of seven as the away fans erupted into chants of “Super Jack Butland in goal”. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicated an additional five minutes of injury time.
A last Hibs chance came in the 92nd minute as substitute Miguel Chaiwa would pick up the ball on the right hand side and fire a cross into the path of Josh Campbell, only just entering the pitch, whose diving header attempt could only reach the side netting even with the linesman’s offside flag.
Hibs, despite pressure throughout the game, were unable to break through the rare sight of an organised Rangers defence as the full-time whistle blew. Danny Röhl’s name rang from the away end, as his pre-match tactical changes ensured his side left the capital with all three points.
With this result, Rangers move into third with fifteen points, achieving consecutive league wins for the first time this season. They remain five points behind second placed Celtic, and twenty-two points behind leaders Hearts. They next play Celtic in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden this Sunday.
Hibernian now drop into fourth place with fourteen points. This was their first league loss at home all season- level with Motherwell and two points above sixth placed Dundee Utd. They now travel to Livingston on Saturday.
Post Match
David Gray:
“It’s tough to take. I don’t think it’s as if we’ve been beaten by the better side.
“We gifted them a goal and didn’t really create many chances after that. Did we do enough? Probably not. That was down to a lack of quality from us”.
“We certainly got into good areas and had the best two chances [in the second half], including missing a penalty, which was a massive moment”.
Danny Röhl:
“It’s the first clean sheet in one year [away from home]. To come here and beat a team unbeaten in sixteen games [at home in the Premiership] is fantastic.
“My team put a lot of things into this game. Great effort and great fighting spirit. All the things you need in football. I’m very proud of my team today.
“You hope and cross your fingers that you can save the ball, and Jack [Butland] did a fantastic thing for the group. We needed that moment, at the game we are defending and the players come together.”
