Silverware is the currency of success in modern football, and the resurgence of Rangers under Steven Gerrard demanded recognition when they locked horns with Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final. The Hoops humiliated the Gers at Ibrox in their previous Old Firm derby meeting, but the scenario was pretty different this time where the latter dominated the game thoroughly.
However, misfortune and a Fraser Forster masterclass hit them severely as the ten-man Bhoys battled it out to clinch a 1-0 win against the run of play and defended the crown in a dramatic fashion for the fourth successive season.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their disappointing defeat again Celtic.
Allan McGregor: 6
Was rarely tested between the sticks barring one occasion when Christopher Jullien found the net around the hour mark. It was hard to swallow though, as the goal should have been ruled out for offside.
James Tavernier: 7
Tried to make overlapping runs and whip in crosses from the right-hand flank. Created a few chances for Morelos, but was often denied by Johnny Hayes from making cut insides and playing one-twos with Arfield.
Connor Goldson: 6.5
Was in the right place at the right time on most occasions, but lacked accuracy at times while playing the ball out from the deep. Was unlucky to concede against the run of play.
Filip Helander: 7
The Swedish centre-half had a towering presence in the heart of the Rangers backline. Made timely tackles, blocks and challenges. Failed to complete the game following a knock and made way for Nikola Katic in the closing minutes of the match.
Borna Barisic: 7.5
Balanced his game at both the ends of the pitch. Was spot on with his tackles and prevented James Forrest from causing menace. Whipped in a few ambitious balls from the left-hand flank.
Ryan Jack: 7
Was combative in the centre of the pitch but looked a bit off-paced in the aftermath of a first-half injury sustained while making a tackle. He returned to the pitch but struggled to make down the middle runs and create clear-cut opportunities.
Glen Kamara: 5.5
Kept the ball rolling in midfield but offered little creativity going forward. Tried to utilise the space but ended up being denied by Scott Brown time and again. Made way for Jermain Defoe midway through the second half.
Joe Aribo: 6
Aribo, too, was predictable with his runs and passes. His with the ball runs and off the ball work-rate was read well by the Hoops defence. Was taken off to be replaced by Brandon Barker.
Scott Arfield: 5
Misused down the flank as the Canadian should have been deployed centrally, particularly after Jeremie Frimpong’s dismissal. Looked dejected at the end, failing to break down the Hoops’ resilience.
Ryan Kent: 5.5
Should have delivered a better show from the left-hand flank. Tried to dribble past the Celtic defence but was caught in Neil Lennon’s zonal marking strategy. Was shifted to a central role following Barker’s introduction which, however, did no favour in staging a late comeback.
Alfredo Morelos: 4
Had yet another frustrating afternoon of football against the fierce rivals. Was denied by Forster repeatedly including the spot-kick and failed to put the ball into the net in the closing moments which would have kept their trophy hopes alive.
Substitutes
Jermain Defoe: 5
Came on in place of Kamara but failed to alter the scoreline.
Brandon Barker: 5.5
Made some moves from the wide but lacked enough composure in the attacking third.
Nikola Katic: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
