Rangers had a blistering start to their campaign until the Old Firm derby where they surrendered to Celtic at home and suffered a disastrous 2-0 defeat. It was a massive setback in their bid to redeem their lost status and the tie this afternoon against in-form Livingston was not a cakewalk either. The Ibrox crowd had an anxious time after conceding early in the second half. However, the players turned it around immediately and eventually sealed a 3-1 win.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their win against Livingston.
Allan McGregor: 6.5
Could have done little to deny Steven Lawless’ flawless strike from the spot. Was lucky when Chris Erskine’s effort hit the woodwork, but the custodian pulled off a crucial stop to deny Lyndon Dykes from restoring the lead.
James Tavernier: 8
The skipper came to the rescue for his team as he found the net from a free-kick leaving Ross Stewart with no chance between the sticks. His tireless effort from the flank via crosses and set-pieces did not go in vain as he inspired the Gers to stage a comeback and get back to the winning ways.
Connor Goldson: 7
Looked nervy at times aerially but dealt with the pressure in the heart of Rangers’ backline. Frustrated Dykes enough that he saw a second yellow and left the pitch moments after Morelos’ go-ahead goal.
Nikola Katic: 5.5
Conceded the spot-kick by bringing Dykes down inside the box. Had a challenging afternoon of football, but ended up securing all three points as the Bears changed their gear after conceding minutes into the second half.
Andy Halliday: 6.5
Was preferred over Borna Barisic in the left-back role amid the injury absence of Jon Flanagan. The Scotsman was a bit rusty with his tackles initially but improved his game in the second half and played his part in the incredible comeback.
Steven Davis: 7
Used his experience to calm things down in midfield, keep the ball rolling and opened up space by playing one-twos and link up football. Mistimed a few challenges, yet it was a decent outing overall for the veteran Northern Irishman.
Joe Aribo: 7.5
Had a stunning debut for Nigeria during the international break and continued his excellence at Ibrox too by setting it up for Morelos with an intelligent header. Played his part in grabbing the lead and left the pitch to make way for Andy King amid applauds from the Rangers faithful.
Scott Arfield: 7
Hit the woodwork with a curling effort from the edge of the box midway through the first half. Saw a few of his efforts being denied by Stewart in Livi goal.
Sheyi Ojo: 7.5
Tried to create chances using the width of the pitch. Linked up well with Morelos, Arfield and Tavernier. Also played his part in Brandon Barker’s strike late in the match.
Ryan Kent: 6.5
Was a handed a start straight away and made an early impression from the left flank by beating past the opponents’ defence. But he could not continue for long as an injury forced him to leave the pitch late in the first half. Brandon Barker was introduced as a like-for-like replacement.
Alfredo Morelos: 8
El Bufalo had a few chances that were either off-target or denied by Stewart majestically. However, it was he who made it 2-1 and delivered once again under pressure. Made way for Jermain Defoe late in the game.
Substitutes
Brandon Barker: 7
The youngster scored his first Rangers goal around the 79th-minute mark after coming on as a forced substitute to replace the injured Kent. His goal ensured all three points for the hosts after a combative afternoon of football.
Andy King: 6.5
Replaced Aribo in the middle of the pitch and calmed things down using his experience and passing traits.
Jermain Defoe: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
