A shocking defeat to Kilmarnock on Wednesday night sent Rangers on the back foot in the Premiership title race. They have grabbed some great wins under Steven Gerrard but struggled to build up any momentum so far this campaign. This Sunday evening tie versus Livingston was a tricky test at the Tony Macaroni Arena as they lost the previous meeting failing to turn up at all.
The Gers, however, were at their very best this time around as they dominated the game throughout and secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory to climb up to the second spot.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their dominant win against Livingston.
Allan McGregor: 7.5
The veteran custodian had a tough night at the Rugby Park but enjoyed a comfortable outing versus Livi. He was rarely tested and faced little trouble except for one late occasion when he made an excellent diving save to keep his clean sheet intact.
James Tavernier: 7
Much balanced display from the skipper who not only kept on making runs down the right flank but also performed his duties at the back when required. Linked up well with Candeias and whipped in crosses to trouble the hosts.
Nikola Katic: 7
Returned to action replacing Gareth McAuley in the heart of Rangers backline. Maintained focus and was in the right place at the right time while making clearances, interceptions and timely blocks.
Joe Worrall: 7
Was criticised for his display versus Killie but delivered a towering display this evening alongside Katic. Worrall showed great composure to win the possession back and build up moves from the back using his excellent passing and distribution skills.
Borna Barisic: 7.5
Returned to action after a long injury layoff. Kept on making overlapping runs from the left flank combining well with Kent and kept on delivering crosses inside the box for Morelos. Was taken off towards the end and got replaced by Andy Halliday.
Ross McCrorie: 7.5
The youngster was clumsy at times while tackling but did well to dominate the midfield game winning the ball back and breaking up Livi’s moves one after another. He was physical, combative and produced exactly what the manager could have asked for on the day.
Ryan Jack: 8
Operated box to box as he mostly featured as their chief ball carrier. Released some through balls, orchestrated the flow and also stretched the game down the flanks to open up space in the attacking third. Broke the deadlock around the half-hour mark when Liam Kelly in goal made a mess in dealing with his long-range strike.
Scott Arfield: 8
The Canadian utilised the space as he was allowed free movement behind the front three. Assisted Jack for the opener and also set it up beautifully for Morelos who made no mistake in making it 3-0 in the second half.
Daniel Candeias: 7.5
The Portuguese had a lively start from the right flank with cut insides, crosses and link-up play with his teammates. Showed great work ethic by dropping down deep to build the game up on his own.
Ryan Kent: 8.5
Doubled the lead with thunderous strike minutes into the second half. Kept on terrorising the Livi defence with his pace, power and cut insides. Created many chances, missed the target on a few occasions but left a massive impact before making way for Steven Davis late in the game.
Alfredo Morelos: 8.5
Hit the woodwork in the first half. Caused menace in Livi defence with his physicality and swift movements. Played his part in Jack’s opener and made it 3-0 in the second half with a composed finish. Got replaced by Jermain Defore minutes after finding the net.
Substitutes
Jermain Defore: 6
Made his presence known inside the box with his timely runs and movements.
Steven Davis: 6
Enjoyed the final quarter of the game linking up well with his teammates.
Andy Halliday: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
