Hibs 1 Rangers 3 as Lee Johnson suffers loss, Marshall missteps and Euro fight goes on – three things we learned

Hibs suffered their first defeat of the split after losing three goals to Rangers at Easter Road, with a consolation at the end.

Lee Johnson’s men had won their first game of the top six against St Mirren before a draw last weekend against Aberdeen kept the sliver of finishing third and a European dream alive. But Michael Beale’s men had other plans in Leith with goals from James Tavernier, Ianis Hagi and Todd Cantwell sealing the deal for the Glasgow side. Paul Hanlon managed a consolation for the Hibees.

Hibs will be disappointed to suffer defeat but face tough tasks with champions Celtic coming to the capital in midweek off the back of two games without a win, and a tantalising Edinburgh derby finale with Hearts set for the final day of the campaign. Edinburgh Live Sport took a look at three things we learned as Hibs lost to Rangers.

READ MORE: Lee Johnson in Hibs ‘doesn’t get bigger than that’ with Rangers, Celtic and Hearts on horizon

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Marshall missteps

It was a rock and a hard place for David Marshall losing the first goal.

The experienced goalkeeper was caught between clashing with the post and getting a full hand to the shot.

The end product was Tavernier’s strike sneaking in but pundits and fans alike took the chance to say Marshall could’ve been stronger.

The keeper also couldn’t keep out Cantwell after Tavernier’s effort ricocheted back off him in an unfortunate moment.

Finish in a flurry

Hibs can still finish the season strong and if results go a certain way, they could even leapfrog rivals Hearts.

It would need two very good results first against Celtic at home in midweek and a repeat of the last Edinburgh derby to seal it.

But Lee Johnson’s men won’t have their confidence dented after suffering their first loss of the split at Easter Road.

It would take a catalogue of errors from Aberdeen and Hearts for them to finish third but it is not out of the question.

Nisbet and Youan shine

While Hibs couldn’t get the job done, Kevin Nisbet is still a real danger up top.

The Scotland cap still has a burning desire for goals despite Johnson admitting his future in Leith isn’t clear.

Meanwhile Hibs fans were delighted to see Elie Youan’s loan made permanent.

The Frenchman has been a guiding light this season and caused Rangers a handful of problems.

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