The second Old Firm Derby of the season ended on almost the same page for Rangers. It was far from a humiliation for the Gers but a loss is a loss. The two most successful clubs in Scottish football locked horns on Sunday at Hampden in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup. Mark Warburton’s side were dominated by their rivals for most parts of the game but held firm under the severe pressure from the Hoops.
Celtic had a number of chances throughout the game to take the lead but Matt Gilks was in insane form under the bar making saves after saves. Rangers had chances of their own on the break but failed to make them count. Rangers did pretty well to restrict Celtic from scoring until the 87th minute when Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths combined excellently for the late winner for the Hoops, as Celtic make their berth in the final confirmed against Aberdeen a month later.
Here are the player ratings of Rangers from the game-
Matt Gilks: 6.5/10
Pulled off some excellent saves but made a few glaring errors too.
Lee Hodson: 8/10
It was a man of the match display from the Northern Irish international. Was absolutely brilliant in cutting down Celtic’s threat from his flank and made quite an impact going forward.
Rob Kiernan: 7/10
Made a number of well-timed tackles as well as crucial interceptions. Passed very well.
Clint Hill: 6/10
Looked shaky on the ball and struggled with the pace of Celtic. Gave his all but Celtic’s quality was too much for his old legs.
Lee Wallace: 6.5/10
Was threatening from the left flank but made the defence vulnerable getting caught out of position a number of times.
Josh Windass: 6/10
Ran tirelessly to cover every blade of grass on the pitch but failed to do something extra.
Andy Halliday: 7/10
Won possession in midfield a number of times. Protected his back four very well. Did not try anything more than simple passes. Hardly lost the ball.
Jason Holt: 7/10
Was the most threatening Rangers player. Burst forward with his drive time and time again and should have scored when he got his chance.
James Tavernier: 7/10
Was good going forward and tracked back pretty well. Completely nullified Tierney’s attacking forays.
Kenny Miller: 5.5/10
Worked hard but never had a chance to score. Lacked the pace to beat Celtic defence.
Barrie McKay: 5.5/10
Could not contribute much. Caution for simulation in the penalty box was a bit harsh.
Substitutes
Joe Garner: NA
Martyn Waghorn: NA
Joe Dodoo: NA
