Rangers 4-0 Hibernian: Philippe Clement begins Gers reign in style as Abdallah Sima scores twice
Philippe Clement started his Rangers reign in style as Abdallah Sima scored twice in a 4-0 win over Hibernian at Ibrox.
Clement replaced Michael Beale, who was sacked two weeks ago, and made an immediate impact by closing the gap on leaders Celtic to four points.
Sima fired them ahead at the end of a driving run before Nicolas Raskin found the bottom left corner from long range on the stroke of half-time.
Rangers stepped up a gear in the second half and saw Sima slam in his second volley to wrap up the points, allowing Cyriel Dessers to add the gloss with a late fourth.
How Clement made a winning start
Rangers’ Abdallah Sima celebrates as he scores to make it 1-0
Hibernian saw Dylan Vente’s angled drive held by goalkeeper Jack Butland before Rangers left-back Borna Barisic picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Ridvan Yilmaz.
Dessers had a shot saved by Hibs keeper David Marshall but he had no chance as Sima combined with Dessers moments later to burst through the center of the defense and drive low into the bottom left corner.
In the 27th minute, following a fight in Hibs’ penalty area, there was a VAR check on a potential penalty when the ball appeared to hit Joe Newell’s arm before Sima’s shot went past the post – but referee Don Robertson was given told to keep playing.
Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin celebrates with James Tavernier after the 2-0
Just before halftime, Raskin took matters into his own hands when he thundered a low shot past Marshall.
Rangers upped the tempo in the second half and saw Lammers smash an effort against the right post from close range.
Sima’s goal came when Dessers took a brilliant pass from Lammers, rounded Marshall but saw his shot blocked on the line before the Brighton loanee hammered the rebound high into the net.
There was still plenty of time left and when Cantwell slipped a clever ball into Dessers ten yards from goal, he side-footed the helpless Marshall.
What’s next?
Rangers go to Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday, October 26, kick-off at 5:45 PM. Three days later they return to the competition at home Hearts. Kick-off 3:00 PM.
Hibernian host Celtic on Saturday, October 28 at 3 p.m.