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Philippe Clement began his Rangers reign in style as Abdallah Sima scored twice in a 4-0 victory over Hibernian at Ibrox.
Clement replaced Michael Beale, who was sacked two weeks ago, and made an instant impact in closing the gap to 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 moved up a gear in the second half, seeing Sima volley in his second 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 an angled drive from Dylan Vente held by goalkeeper Jack Butland before Rangers left-back Borna Barisic picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Ridvan Yilmaz.
A Dessers shot was saved by Hibs keeper David Marshall but he had no chance when Sima combined with Dessers moments later and burst through the middle of the defence to drive low into the bottom left corner.
In the 27th minute, after a melee in the Hibs penalty area, there was a VAR check for a possible penalty when the ball appeared to strike Joe Newell’s arm before Sima’s shot went past the post – but referee Don Robertson was told to play on.
Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin celebrates with James Tavernier after making it 2-0
Just before the break, Raskin took matters into his own hands when he thundered a low shot past Marshall.
Rangers upped the pace in the second half, seeing Lammers smash an effort against the right post from close range.
Sima’s goal came when Dessers took a brilliant Lammers pass, 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 remaining and when Cantwell slipped a clever ball into Dessers 10 yards from goal, he side-footed home past the helpless Marshall.
What’s next?
Rangers head to Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday October 26, kick-off 5.45pm. They then return to league action three days later at home to Hearts. Kick-off 3pm.
Hibernian host Celtic on Saturday October 28 at 3pm.
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