A dreadful 1-0 defeat last week against Aberdeen was a massive setback for Steven Gerrard’s Rangers in the title challenge. But they had a glorious opportunity to get back to winning ways this evening against bottom-placed Dundee FC at Dens Park and keep pace with favourites Celtic at the top end of Premiership standings.
The Light Blues, however, delivered yet another shocking performance as they went behind in the early minutes and only managed an equaliser despite the hosts played with ten men for the majority of the game. Kyle Lafferty’s strike was controversially denied as offside, but it is high time the Gers start evaluating their performance before it gets too late to attain success this season.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their disappointing 1-1 draw against Dundee FC.
Allan McGregor: 6
The centre-back duo of Goldson and Worrall let the veteran down who could have done little to deny Kenny Miller’s early opener. Was not troubled much otherwise but the damage was already done as the Gers did not succeed in scripting a turnaround.
James Tavernier: 5.5
The skipper was far from his best this afternoon as his involvement high up the pitch failed to cause enough menace in Dundee’s defence. The bottom team of the Premiership had left-back Nathan Ralph sent off in the initial stages of the match, yet the Englishman could not utilise the space in front of him.
Connor Goldson: 5
Dismal defending from the ex-Brighton centre-back as he failed to cover Kenny Miller, the former Rangers centre-forward who is soon to be 39. Tried to block Miller’s movement but the veteran was smart with his run and created enough space to finish.
Joe Worrall: 4.5
Shocking from the young Englishman as he misjudged the flight of Ralph’s long ball. Miller was well-positioned and beat Goldson with ease to find the back of the net.
Andy Halliday: 7
Started as a left-back and looked lively with overlapping runs. Combined well with Grezda down the flank and also scored spectacularly from a free-kick to equalise midway through the first half. Was replaced by Ovie Ejaria with 20 minutes remaining which looked like a tactical switch.
Jordan Rossiter: 5.5
Was handed a rare start. Tried his best to dictate the game from the middle of the park but struggled to keep hold of possession and create enough chances upfront. Was replaced by Borna Barisic around the hour mark.
Ryan Jack: 7
A decent outing from the Scotsman who was combative and worked hard to push the team forward in search of a winning goal. Tried to find the net from a distance but was denied by custodian Jack Hamilton who was spectacular all afternoon.
Ryan Kent: 5
Returned to action after an injury layoff. Was being utilized in a slightly deeper role which, however, did not work in his favour. He rarely made an impact before being replaced by Glenn Middleton at halftime.
Daniel Candeias: 5.5
Did not replicate his recent form as he should have threatened more in the absence of Nathan Ralph who received his marching order early in the game.
Eros Grezda: 5
The Albanian had a few strong runs from wide, but his end product could have been much better. Often caused troubles in and around the box. However, should work more on his finishing traits to ensure his future in Rangers’ colours.
Kyle Lafferty: 6
The big centre-forward started the game in the absence of the suspended Alfredo Morelos. Was denied by Hamilton in early minutes and was left frustrated when his goal was controversially ruled out by the officials.
Substitutes
Glenn Middleton: 5.5
Was introduced in place of Kent at halftime. Looked lively in the early minutes of the second half but failed to break the hosts’ defensive resilience.
Borna Barisic: 6.5
Returned from a long injury layoff and whipped in a few decent crosses which were wasted by his teammates inside the box.
Ovie Ejaria: 5.5
Ejaria too was brought in to add more strength in the middle of the park. His inclusion helped the visitors have more control over the ball. However, he failed to make any noteworthy contribution to secure a much-needed victory.
