A Rollercoaster Encounter at Easter Road
In a match that perfectly encapsulated the drama of Scottish football, Rangers squandered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Hibernian at Easter Road. This result extends Hibs’ unbeaten Premiership run to six games while leaving Philippe Clement’s side 10 points behind arch-rivals Celtic – a gap that could prove decisive in the title race.
Match Analysis: Where It Went Right and Wrong
Rangers’ Dominant Start
The visitors exploded out of the blocks, with Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane netting twice inside 20 minutes. His first came from an Ianis Hagi assist in the 4th minute, while his powerful header from Nedim Bajrami’s cross demonstrated Rangers‘ early superiority.
According to Jaya9 football analyst James Wilson: “Rangers’ first-half performance was textbook away football – quick transitions, clinical finishing, and defensive solidity. But their inability to maintain this intensity proved costly.”
Hibs’ Remarkable Comeback
David Gray’s side showed tremendous character to fight back from 2-0 down. Martin Boyle was instrumental, first finishing a clever set-piece move in the 32nd minute, then converting a controversial penalty after Josh Campbell went down under Hagi’s challenge.
Martin Boyle’s brace brought Hibernian level after Rangers’ strong start
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
The Turning Point
The penalty decision in the 60th minute proved pivotal. While Clement called it “a collision of two players,” the spot-kick gave Hibs momentum they never relinquished. Rocky Bushiri’s late header from Nicky Cadden’s corner completed the comeback after Igamane had completed his hat-trick to make it 3-2.
Defensive Fragilities Exposed
Rangers have now dropped points in three consecutive away matches, raising questions about their title credentials. As Jaya9 tactical expert Sarah Connolly noted: “Clement’s side lacks the defensive resilience needed for a sustained title challenge. Their set-piece vulnerability is particularly concerning.”
Manager Reactions
David Gray’s Satisfaction
The Hibs boss praised his team’s character: “Second-half performance was outstanding… to come from 2-0 down shows real desire. We got what we deserved.”
Clement’s Frustration
The Rangers manager lamented: “It’s really sore to have that [penalty decision] against you again.” His frustration at dropped points was palpable, especially after their Old Firm derby win.
What This Means for the Title Race
With Celtic maintaining their relentless form, Rangers can ill afford such slip-ups. The Jaya9 Premiership tracker shows Clement’s side has now dropped 11 points from winning positions this season – a statistic that could haunt them come May.
Looking Ahead
For Hibs, this result continues their upward trajectory under Gray. For Rangers, it’s back to the drawing board as they prepare for crucial fixtures that could make or break their season.
As the Scottish Premiership enters its decisive phase, follow Jaya9 for in-depth analysis of every twist and turn in this captivating title race. What did you make of Rangers’ performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
