Rangers took on Aberdeen at the Pittodrie Stadium looking to begin their league season on the front foot. The Gers started the game well but were handed an enormous setback in the 12th minute when Alfredo Morelos was sent off.
However, Steven Gerrard’s players refused to give up and showed brilliant character to fight for every loose ball. The away side were handed a lifeline in the 30th minute when they were awarded a penalty which James Tavernier converted with ease. Both teams battled hard during the game and just when everyone thought that the Teddy Bears would get the three points, the Dons came back and equalised in the 93rd minute to share the spoils on the day. The match ended 1-1 with both teams living to fight another day.
Let’s see how the Rangers players fared during the contest against Aberdeen.
Allan McGregor – 6/10
He hardly had anything to do in the game and was mostly left untested by the Dons attack. However, McGregor could not do much for his side when conceding in injury-time.
James Tavernier – 8/10
The Gers captain had a good game and kept his composure to convert from the spot in the 12th minute. He also defended valiantly but still couldn’t earn a clean sheet to show for his efforts.
Nikola Katic – 7/10
The Croatian defended well and put in some tremendous last-ditch challenges to save his team time and again. However, he still needs to work on his positioning to become a top-class act in the future.
Connor Goldson – 6.5/10
He hardly put a foot wrong in the game but lost concentration in injury-time which resulted in two dropped points for Rangers.
Jon Flanagan – 6/10
The ex-Liverpool defender put in a hard-working shift at left-back and battled hard for every bit of possession.
Scott Arfield – 6.5/10
Arfield commanded the midfield and used his experience to keep his teammates calm after Morelos’ dismissal. He worked tirelessly for his team and was a useful asset for Gerrard during the contest.
Ryan Jack – 7.5/10
He was outstanding during the encounter and put on another mature display at the heart of the Gers midfield.
Lassana Coulibaly – 6/10
He gave away the ball needlessly at times but overall, managed to break down a lot of the Dons’ attacks with his presence in midfield.
Jamie Murphy – 5.5/10
He struggled to be a regular attacking outlet for Gerrard’s team. Murphy was found ball-watching at times but did work hard for his side.
Josh Windass – 6/10
Another tireless worker but was ineffective while operating on the right flank. Windass needs to play more centrally if he wants to find form under Gerrard’s tutelage.
Alfredo Morelos – 1/10
The Gers forward let his team down by getting sent off in the first half. However, he looked a threat while on the pitch and would be kicking himself for letting his side down.
Substitutes:
LM: Ryan Kent – 6/10
The youngster came off the bench to provide some fresh legs on the pitch.
CM: Oviemuno Ejaria – N/A
The Liverpool loanee came on for the final 8 minutes of the match and hardly had any time to make an impact.
