Bassey provides secondary assist as Rangers thrash Hearts; Aribo, Balogun start

Published: February 06, 2022

Rangers returned to winning ways following the midweek loss to Celtic, beating Hearts 5-0 in a Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday evening.

Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst hinted at the pre-match press conference that Leon Balogun was in contention to return to the starting lineup and the Super Eagles defender was one of the four changes to the side that started on Wednesday - a decision that saw Calvin Bassey moved to his preferred position at left-back.

Joe Aribo started in a midfield three along with Ryan Jack and John Lundstram.

It was a positive start for Rangers with two early chances for Aribo and Balogun from Tavernier corners.

Bassey was involved in the build up to Rangers opening goal when he released Ryan Kent and he picked out strike partner Morelos who slid the ball into the net.

Morelos fired beyond Gordon to double Rangers' lead in the 64th minute before Glen Kamara slotted past the goalkeeper for the game's third goal in the 72nd minute.

Shortly after Rangers' fourth goal scored by Scott Arfield, Aribo left the pitch to be replaced by Fashion Sakala, whose composed finish wrapped up the scoring at minute 84.

Bassey and Balogun were yellow carded in the 27th and 53rd minute respectively.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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