Livingston, the newly promoted Premiership outfit, hosted title favourites Rangers this afternoon at Tony Macaroni Arena. Livi grabbed the same number of points as of the Gers but was behind on goal difference before this game. Their artificial grass surface was bound to trouble Steven Gerrard’s men as it did to other opponents so far this campaign.
The hosts were unbeaten at home in Premiership and stretched it to one more game grabbing a surprise 1-0 win thanks to a first-half strike from Dolly Menga. The Bears were handed their second league defeat which, however, is a massive setback en route to reconquer the title glory.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their shocking defeat against Livingston.
Allan McGregor: 6
Could have done little to deny Menga’s first-half strike that proved to be the decider. Denied Scott Pittman in the second half to keep his side in the game but the Light Blues failed to stage a late comeback.
James Tavernier: 6
The skipper made a few driving runs forward but lacked the impact he usually offers with his crosses and link-up play.
Connor Goldson: 5.5
Struggled defensively against Livi’s pace and physicality whenever they were attacking the Gers backline throwing some bodies forward. Managed to pull off crucial blocks, interceptions and clearances which, however, went in vain as they failed to grab a result after 90 minutes of disappointment.
Joe Worrall: 5.5
Did not look convincing enough while making clearances. Lacked composure and seemed in a hurry that often led to aimless passing and wrong distribution.
Borna Barisic: 6
Tried to offer his presence with overlap runs and crosses from the left flank. But the hosts did not allow the Croatian enough space for wing play and the left-back, therefore, offered little inside the box, unlike his other games.
Lassana Coulibaly: 5
Did not look convincing enough in the middle of the park. The turf might have troubled him to play his usual game. Was taken off at half-time to be replaced by Ryan Kent.
Ovie Ejaria: 6
His footwork, as well as movements with the ball, were impressive. Should have done better off the ball as he struggled to win back possession when the hosts were rolling it in midfield.
Scott Arfield: 5.5
Had a disappointing afternoon as he failed to offer enough threat upfront. Tried to build up a few moves most of which lacked end product and creativity.
Daniel Candeias: 6
Worked hard down the right flank, tried to cut inside but was offered little space to cause enough menace in Livi backline.
Kyle Lafferty: 5.5
Gerrard made the same mistake again by lining up both Lafferty and Morelos upfront. The Northern Irishman was unimpressive throughout and failed to trouble the hosts with his presence inside the box. Was taken off just over an hour mark to be replaced by Glenn Middleton.
Alfredo Morelos: 6
The Colombian was denied one-on-one by ex-Rangers custodian Liam Kelly. Had a frustrating afternoon of football otherwise as he was never allowed enough space to make runs and test the Livi number 1.
Substitutes
Ryan Kent: 6
Brought in some creativity in the second half. Had a decent chance but hit straight into Kelly’s hands. Created one glorious opportunity for Morelos but the Colombian was spectacularly denied one-on-one.
Glenn Middleton: 5
Scored a brace midweek versus Ayr United, but the teenager was mostly disappointing since coming on as his touches were heavy and misplaced many passes while operating from the left flank.
