Jack Butland heroically denied Jamie McGrath’s penalty in the 87th minute as Rangers crossed the line against Hibernian for their first back-to-back wins of the season.
It was the English goalkeeper’s third big stop of the season, with Danilo’s opening goal in the fifth minute securing an important three points for the visitors.
Danilo’s second goal of the match, scored in an early exchange, was not a sign of anything to come. After Hibs’ impressive start, Gers got their first taste of goal as Danilo calmly took the lead, setting up with his feet from the edge of the area and firing a low shot into the net.
For the next 80 minutes, Hibs struggled to overcome Rolle’s compact Rangers side, failing to live up to the expectations of the first five games.
However, second-half substitute Junior Hoilett impressed the new Rangers manager after he clashed with James Tavanier and Conor Barron, who were also brought on in the second period.
Danilo celebrates Rangers vs Hibs opener
Butland, who had kept McGrath at bay when the Ireland international was at Aberdeen, did it again, securing Rangers’ first clean sheet in 25 games, a dismal run dating back to December in the Scottish Premiership.
The shutout also ended Hibs’ 22-game winning streak at Easter Road, as well as their 16-game unbeaten run at home.
With the visitors serenading their new manager at full-time, Rangers will carry their newfound momentum into this weekend’s League Cup semi-final against Celtic.
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Jack Butland was a hero for Rangers, saving a late penalty against Hibernian to help Gers win 1-0.
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Rangers’ Danilo took a 1-0 lead away to Hibernian with a deft shot from the edge of the box.
Sawtar: Victory is a small step towards building momentum.
John Souter of the Rangers:
“It’s a big win for us. We’ve been really bad at the beginning of the season. It’s important to build momentum. And tonight was a small step. I think it was a small step. But I thought we took a step back.”
“When Hibs had a lot of the ball, I thought we played to our strengths. I thought we were very good with the ball in the first half, but in the second half we had to let them have some grit.”
“And obviously, a big man makes a big save at the end, and at the end of the day, that’s what he’s doing. It’s a small step, but it’s progress and it’s something that was missing.”
Butland: I did my homework on McGrath.
Rangers Jack Butland:
“I played against him (McGrath) before when he was at Aberdeen and I made some saves and things went well that time.
“It’s always, always a potluck. We’re happy. We did a little bit of homework and it paid off. But it was important to us. We’re a young group. We’re a new group that’s been through a lot, really some tough times and learning.”
“So, like John said, the fight that we showed is something we really need going forward. So it was really nice to see that. And yeah, it was really nice to be able to help us out. And the players fully deserved it.”
Roll: Great start.
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Rangers manager Danny Rolle reflected on his side’s 1-0 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers manager Danny Rohr:
“We won 1-0 with a clean sheet. I told the players I was very proud of their effort today. I think there was spirit, fighting spirit until the end. And yes, you guys deserved to win the game.”
“Of course there are still areas to improve, but the way we worked to come together as a group today was a huge step forward. And now with two wins in a row it’s a great start.”
“When you go into the game, that’s always good and you can create again. Believe me, I think we controlled the game well in the first half. And the second half for me was about winning the ball in deeper areas and creating transition moments.”
“We weren’t clinical enough, but we had some good ball-winning situations. And this is something we have to improve on, but you can see together how the team ran, how they worked, what they did on the pitch. I like that.”
Gray: We were masters of our own destruction.
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Hibs manager David Gray said after his team lost 1-0 to Rangers at Easter Road.
Hibernian boss David Gray:
“We gave them a goal in the first half and I don’t think they did much good after that. I thought we had enough clear chances to get back into the game without trying hard enough.”
“And I think it’s probably a little bit of luck, but our end product tonight, whether it was belief, whether it was the last pass, whether it was the cross, it wasn’t where it needed to be.
“We missed chances from yards. We missed penalties. That happens. Some people miss penalties, but it’s a big chance and a big moment in the game.”
“If I had scored a goal, I think we could have continued and won the game. But hindsight is a great thing and I think that makes it harder to take.”
“I don’t think I can stand here and say we were outplayed off the pitch, we deserved to lose the game, we were beaten enough. I don’t think so, because I don’t think so.”
“I don’t feel that way at all. On the flip side, it’s not a bad thing in itself. But I think we’ve mastered our downfalls a little bit by not taking chances and not taking games. The players know I’ve talked about it enough. I’ve said it enough times.”
“The only way to fix this is, like I said before, if we’re not making them, I’d be more concerned. Just keep putting yourself in that position and be ready to do it. The players are good enough to do it and I believe they’ll turn around.”
