Rangers were expected to throw a title challenge this season and end famous rivals Celtic‘s sheer dominance in Scottish football. But the Gers rather witnessed a massive turmoil, which led to the dismissal of Pedro Caixinha first and then of interim manager Graeme Murty, who was shown the door following a shambolic 5-0 defeat versus the Hoops. Jimmy Nicholl has been handed the job temporarily who will face an uphill task of reclaiming the runners-up spot and earn the Light Blues a place in Europe.
However, the supporters have a reason to rejoice once more following the high-profile appointment of former Liverpool and England icon Steven Gerrard as their new manager, who will take charge from next season onwards. The players, meanwhile, had to conclude the season professionally and the Saturday afternoon clash against Steve Clarke’s Kilmarnock was never meant to be an easy ride.
The hosts had to wait until the 85th minute when David Bates headed home from Sean Goss’ cross and clinched a much-needed win at Ibrox.
Below are the Rangers player ratings in their narrow win against Kilmarnock.
Jak Alnwick: 7.5
Made a stunning double-save in the first half, which stopped the visitors from breaking the deadlock. Was alert between the sticks and his timely punches and routine stops earned the Gers a rare clean sheet.
James Tavernier: 8
Kept on making overlapping runs, mostly late in the game which caused enough trouble for Killie to deal with. Played his part in Rangers’ late winner with a quick free-kick as he helped his side to hit back shaking off last week’s shambles.
David Bates: 9
The Hamburg-bound youngster returned to the lineup after a lengthy injury spell and made an immediate impact at both the ends of the pitch. He not only maintained a defensive composure but also scored the winning goal late in the game that sealed all three points and kept the Gers in contention of a runners-up place.
Russell Martin: 7.5
Had an impressive inception of his Rangers career but stumbled of late against Celtic. But the Norwich City loanee was disciplined, alert and composed in deep defence this afternoon and allowed his side to clinch a clean-sheet.
Andy Halliday: 7.5
Declan John’s injury has forced the Light Blues to deploy the defender in a makeshift midfield role. Halliday was clueless versus the Hoops but adjusted to the new role efficiently this afternoon as he performed his defensive duties quite well along with well-timed runs and crosses.
Graham Dorrans: 7
Held the ball well in midfield, won back possession and never allowed Killie to constitute moves from the middle of the park.
Jason Holt: 7.5
Was dropped for quite a long period of time but is now back in the starting lineup and delivered yet another steady and promising display in a box-to-box role. He kept on orchestrating moves from behind and also performed well in a little-advanced role after the break. Was replaced by Sean Goss midway through the second half.
Daniel Candeias: 7
Troubled the Killie backline with his runs, cut insides and crosses from the right flank. Kept on creating chances and also offered defensive work rate by tracking back and winning possession.
Jason Cummings: 6
Started the game in a ‘number 10’ role. Linked up with fellow attackers at times but made little impact in first half. Was replaced by Ross McCrorie at the break.
Jamie Murphy: 7.5
Looked menacing down the left flank and narrowly missed out the target when his looping header hit the crossbar from Halliday’s cross.
Alfredo Morelos: 7
Looked lively in his usual ‘number 9’ role, created a few chances and also came close to scoring but the young Columbian once again failed to add to his impressive goal tally.
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Substitutes
Ross McCrorie: 7
Made a positive impact since replacing Cummings. He adjusted to a midfield role and also kept on creating chances high up the pitch.
Sean Goss: 7.5
Made the impact after being introduced in the second half when he picked up Tavernier’s pass from a quick free-kick and sent a perfect cross into the box for David Bates to score at the back post.
