Rangers fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Heart of Midlothian at Easter Road on Wednesday. Olwethu Makhanya’s late header earned a point that maintains the club’s unbeaten run and keeps them second in the Premiership, four points adrift of leaders Celtic. The team's league record now stands at seven wins and two draws from ten games.
Kevin Kelsy gave Rangers the lead after 16 minutes, finishing from a Ryan Naderi assist. Naderi, the team’s top scorer this season with five goals in nine appearances, provided the cross for the opener. Hearts responded strongly after the break, with Claudio Rafael Soares Braga equalising three minutes into the second half. Calvin Miller then put the hosts ahead just before the hour mark.
McInnes makes changes
Manager McInnes introduced Badredine Bouanani and Tuur Rommens in the second half to add pace and creativity. The changes paid off in the 89th minute when Bouanani, who had earlier been booked for a foul, delivered the cross for Makhanya to head home. The goal completed a comeback from a team that had not lost in its last five league matches, a run that includes a win over Celtic. Their recent form comprises three wins and two draws, following results against Dundee, Kilmarnock, and a four-nil victory over ST Johnstone last Saturday where Kelsy scored twice.
Both sides finished with four yellow cards each. Nicolas Raskin, Emmanuel Fernandez, James Penrice and Bouanani were cautioned for Rangers. The draw means Rangers have taken 23 points from their opening 10 Premiership fixtures. They have scored 17 goals and conceded seven, giving them a goal difference of +10.
Rangers now turn their attention to the League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden Park on Saturday. Their next league assignment is an away trip to face St Mirren on Saturday 7 November. St Mirren currently sit sixth in the standings.
