Celtic’s win against Livingston put the pressure back on Rangers ahead of their Sunday afternoon contest against Hamilton Academical. The Gers were desperate to maintain the winning streak but, at the same time, underwent a tricky test at the New Douglas Park.
Ryan Jack’s early goal was cancelled out by Lewis Smith within minutes. However, a Ryan Kent stunner just before the break restored the lead and the Englishman then added one more to his tally in the closing minutes to put the game to bed.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 3-1 win against the Accies.
Allan McGregor: 7.5
Could have done little to deny Smith’s header from a close distance. Substitute George Oakley was menacing at times, but the custodian was spot on between the sticks and protected the lead with great professionalism.
James Tavernier: 6.5
Was vulnerable defensively but kept on making marauding runs from the right flank. Whipped in crosses, linked up well in the attacking third and played his part in the build-up prior to Kent’s majestic strike.
Connor Goldson: 6
Should have done better aerially to deal with Smith’s free header. Had a difficult time against Oakley and often struggled to build the game up from the back. Made some crucial blocks, interceptions and no-nonsense clearances.
Filip Helander: 7.5
The Sweden international has finally settled in the heart of the Gers’ backline. He was in the right place at the right time while defending deep and maintained his calmness as well as composure all throughout the outing.
Borna Barisic: 7
Was not as effective as he has been in recent weeks. Linked up well with Kent down the wide, created opportunities from in and around the box, and also delivered a disciplined display to deal with the Accies attacking threats.
Ryan Jack: 8.5
Has been a revelation in the middle of the park. Opened the account in the early minutes and kept on threatening Luke Southwood in Hamilton goal. Kept on winning the ball back and converting defence into attack with his tireless down the middle runs and smart one-twos.
Joe Aribo: 6.5
Worked hard to dominate the midfield game with his passing, pressing and physical presence. The turf of New Douglas Park was troublesome, but the Nigerian adjusted to it despite initial stumbles and offered stability before being replaced by Steven Davis late in the match.
Glen Kamara: 7
Kamara, too, had a steady outing in the centre of the pitch. Marshalled the backline when in need, and also operated in the advanced areas to create chances in the attacking third.
Scott Arfield: 6
Had a quiet afternoon barring a few smart one-twos and cut insides. Was taken off midway through the second half and got replaced by Sheyi Ojo.
Ryan Kent: 9
Unlike Arfield, Kent was relentless from the left-hand flank. Hit the woodwork initially but made it to the scoresheet in a spectacular manner for the first time since signing a permanent deal. Doubled his tally in the closing moments of the match and sealed all three points for the famous Glasgow Rangers.
Jermain Defoe: 6.5
Made some intelligent runs inside the box, linked up well with fellow attackers but failed to do enough to test Southwood in the Accies goal. Made way for Alfredo Morelos for the final few minutes.
Substitutes
Sheyi Ojo: 6.5
Had a few sparkling runs from the wide as he was brought in to inject more flair in the attacking third.
Steven Davis: 7
Was brought in to calm things down in the middle of the pitch.
Alfredo Morelos: 7.5
Set it up for Kent to make it 3-1 moments before the final whistle.
