Lawrence goal edges Rangers past Hibs
Tom Lawrence scored a sensational winner as Rangers defeated Hibernian 1-0 in the Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox to stay in touch with league leader Celtic and second-placed Aberdeen.
Lawrence curled home a stunning 34th-minute strike, but had to wait to celebrate because of a lengthy VAR check for offside, which eventually ruled in his favour.
The hosts were also thankful to goalkeeper Jack Butland after he saved a penalty in first-half stoppage-time to keep Rangers in the lead, and it was a lead the hosts didn't relinquish.
Australia's Martin Boyle would have normally taken the spot-kick, but his absence after hand surgey meant Mykola Kuharevich had to take responsibility, and his weak effort was easily dealt with by the English keeper.
After Celtic's 6-0 thrashing of St Johnstone and Aberdeen's 2-1 win over Dundee, the pressure was on Philippe Clement's side to secure a win to stay in third and keep pace with the teams ahead of it.
Rangers did just that and has 10 points from its six matches so far, but Celtic and Aberdeen are both five points clear in first and second respectively with perfect records so far.
Clement heaped praise on Butland after the match, aware of how important his penalty save was for the hosts.
"Jack's save was a massive moment," Clement said. "I think Jack was happy as he has been less involved in the last few weeks. It's a good feeling to be important in those moments.
"For me, it wasn't clear why it was a penalty. We discussed these things before with the other managers and the referee department.
"The clean sheet is massive. We brought in Jefte, who is new, Nana Kasanwirjo has come in, and we have a new pairing at centre-backs with John and Robin Propper.
"It is not just defensively; we also have Connor Barron who is new in front of them. They haven't played together too long, but with the organisation, Jack hasn't had to make many saves.
"But when he did, he came up with a massive one and that is a top goalkeeper who keeps his concentration in the big moments."
Rangers came into this game on the back of a UEFA Europa League victory away to Malmo.
While far from their best, the hosts still managed to claim a fourth consecutive victory in the Scottish Premiership without conceding for the first time since February 2022.
