Rangers romped home as they swept aside St. Mirren 4-0. However, the game is going to be talked about for its poor refereeing. The Gers were given four penalties on the day out of which at least two looked like fouls outside of the box. However, Steven Gerrard and Co wouldn’t complain as they cut down Celtic’s lead at the table to three points for the time being.
James Tavernier scored two from the spot and missed one. The captain then showed a good team spirit as he allowed new signing Jermain Defoe to take the fourth spot-kick late in the second half which gave the English striker an opportunity to open his scoring account at Ibrox. Ryan Kent added the fourth goal after a brilliant dinked finish.
Here is how the Bears fared on the day.
Allan Mcgregor 6.5
Didn’t even break a sweat as St. Mirren did not manage to have any shot on target. Made a cheeky pass in the second half much to the amusement of the home fans.
Joe Worrall 7
Has rightfully come under criticism off late but the English defender put in an assured performance and was more decisive in his defending as he made some smart interceptions.
Nikola Katic 7
Once out of favour, the Croat has definitely won the support from the gaffer. Did a decent job and had an easy game in defence.
Borna Barisic 7.5
Having him fit for the rest of the campaign is going to be crucial for Gerrard. Looked strong defensively and put in some delightful crosses from the left.
James Tavernier 8
Scored two penalties and hit the bar with the other one. The miss seemed like a crucial one when it occurred as Rangers were leading 1-0 at that time and the team went in with just one goal advantage at half time. However, it was a comfortable ride for the team in the end. Delivered some decent crosses down the right and won the hearts of the fans by letting Defoe take the fourth penalty.
Ross McCrorie 6
Did an alright job in midfield but the game was calling out for a player who would transition the ball swiftly into the attack. McCrorie being slight defensive minded, seemed to choose the safer option more often than not.
Steven Davis 6
Not the best of the games for the three-time Premiership winner. Was a bit sloppy in his passing and might take a bit more time to settle in at the club.
Scott Arfield 7.5
Worked his socks off and linked up play well from the middle of the park.
Ryan Kent 8.5
An absolute live wire down the left. His driving forward of the ball and intent to take on defenders was causing the opposition a lot of trouble. Finished brilliantly for his goal and showed that he is not just a few neat tricks and skills.
Alfredo Morelos 7
Started down the right but drifted everywhere across the pitch. Took some great attempts but was brilliantly denied by opposition goalkeeper Václav Hladký.
Jermain Defoe 6.5
Wasn’t his day as he failed to score from open play and was often denied by the opposition goalkeeper. However, his movement was sharp, and the Englishman showed that he still has great instincts. Set up the goal well for Kent and hopefully, more goals would come from his boot in the future.
Substitutes
Ryan Jack 7
Called the shots after coming on as he was brilliant in the box to box role.
Daniel Candeias 6
Provided fresh legs after coming on and was brought down for the penalty. However, the foul was definitely outside the box.
Kyle Lafferty N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
