Despite missing out on some key resources, Steven Gerrard’s Rangers were still favourites to win the League Cup semi-final tie against struggling Aberdeen to script an Old-Firm derby final against their famous rivals Celtic. But the lack of experience cost the Gers severely as they were beaten by Derek McInnes’ strategic masterclass. Aberdeen’s defensive work rate allowed them to keep hold of a clean sheet whereas Lewis Ferguson’s late header from Niall McGinn’s corner handed Gerrard his biggest defeat since being appointed the Rangers manager.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their disappointing 1-0 defeat against Aberdeen.
Allan McGregor: 6
The veteran custodian was rarely tested until the decisive moment where he could have done little to stop Lewis Ferguson’s thumping header.
James Tavernier: 5.5
The skipper tried to threaten the Dons with his usual attacking attributes. But his set-pieces let him down all throughout this evening, and the Englishman must be disappointed with his display despite enjoying a scintillating run before this fixture.
Connor Goldson: 6
Goldson was strong, did well aerially as well as physically but failed to prevent Ferguson from scoring the winner late in the game. Was impressive with his passing and also made some overlapping runs. However, a lack of creativity in the attacking third saw his efforts go in vain.
Joe Worrall: 6
Was having a decent game until Ferguson’s goal which was an outcome of sheer determination from the teenager who rose above all before finding the net.
Jon Flanagan: 5
Had a few decent link-ups with Ryan Kent down the left flank. But the fullback lacked sharpness high up the pitch as he rarely whipped in crosses or tried to cut inside to threaten the Dons.
Ryan Jack: 5.5
Was combative in midfield against his former side but let his team down at times with poor judgement and decision making. Had a decent opportunity in the first half but struck his effort wide where he could have placed it for Candeias who was free on the right. Was replaced by Glenn Middleton after conceding the solitary goal of the game.
Ovie Ejaria: 7.5
The most exciting Rangers player to watch at this moment as the young Liverpool loanee showed great holding traits, control over possession and creativity upfront. But he lacked enough support inside the box and failed to break Aberdeen’s defensive resilience.
Lassana Coulibaly: 6
Kept the ball rolling in midfield, broke down many Aberdeen attacks and tried to build the game up from deep. Offered little in the attacking third as he mostly restricted his game in the middle of the park.
Ryan Kent: 6.5
Kent, though impressive in recent games, was well contained by Shay Logan on the left as he failed to threaten the Dons despite a few stepovers, swift skills and smart runs.
Daniel Candeias: 6.5
Was influential down the right flank as he kept on crossing and cutting inside the box. His decision making could have been better on a few occasions and was taken off to be replaced by Scott Arfield towards the end.
Umar Sadiq: 4.5
Was handed his first start in such a big tie due to the absence of both Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty. The gamble, however, did not pay off at all as the centre-forward lacked sharpness upfront. Caught offside repeatedly which made Gerrard furious towards the end. Had a glorious one-on-one opportunity to draw an equaliser but he opted to dive for a penalty and was rightly booked by the referee.
Substitutes
Scott Arfield: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Glenn Middleton: NA
