Rangers travelled to Rugby Park to take on Kilmarnock in the league game where they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat. With this latest loss, Rangers’ title hopes seem to be fading as Celtic have now opened up a 10 point gap.
Kilmarnock were always expected to sit back and defend in numbers. The opening goal of the game was always going to be a crucial one and Rangers got that through Scott Arfield’s wonder strike from a distance. The home team were hardly able to land a glove on Rangers in the first half, and Gerrard’s men thoroughly deserved their lead at half time.
However, the game changed in the second half as the Killie started to create some attacking moves. O’Donnell equalised in the 77th minute, but there was a handball in the box earlier. Honestly, the goal shouldn’t have stood. There was some more drama as Morelos found the back of the net, but it was chalked off as the referee gave a free-kick. Rangers were given a sucker punch in the end when Brophy scored the winner in the 88th minute.
Here is how Gerrard’s men fared on the night.
Allan McGregor 6
Couldn’t have done much to prevent both the goals. Didn’t have to make a save as Kilmarnock only managed two shots on target, and both went in.
Nikola Katic 5
Kabamba gave him a tough time on occasions as he used his physicality well to trouble Katic. Guilty of not winning the first header for Kilmarnock’s winner.
Connor Goldson 5
Had a solid game overall as he made some crucial clearances and interceptions. However, undid all the good work in the end as he failed to keep Brophy under check for Kilmarnock’s second goal.
Andy Halliday 6
Did his job defensively but could have been better in terms of delivering crosses. Wasn’t able to contribute much in attack.
James Tavernier 6
Had a decent chance late on in the game from the edge of the box which he fired over. Delivered one good cross in the box which Morelos missed. Apart from that, his crossing was inaccurate. Got the job done at the back.
Ryan Jack 6
Wasn’t able to affect the game much in terms of opening up the opposition. But broke the opposition attacks well from time to time as he read the dangers well to make some interceptions.
Joe Aribo 6.5
Had a few brilliant touches and got into some dangerous areas in the attacking third. Had one decent chance in the first half where he should have done better. Just lacks the killer instincts sometimes.
Scott Arfield 7.5
Opened the deadlock with a thunderous strike. Worked hard and put in a decent shift in midfield.
Ryan Kent 5
Tried hard but was ineffective for most parts of the game. Linked up play well from time to time. However, he was unable to go on his typical mazy runs.
Ianis Hagi 7
Some of his link-up play was extremely sharp. Brings the much-needed urgency in the final third as he looks to move the ball fast. Had a decent first half but wasn’t able to get in the game much in the second 45. Nevertheless, he looked a constant threat whenever he got on the ball in the attacking third.
Alfredo Morelos 4
A disappointing night for the Colombian as he squandered some decent chances in the second half. Hit the bar with a lobbed effort. Then missed a simple header from close quarters. Tried to win a cheap penalty and was booked for simulation. Got the ball in the net once but gave away a soft free-kick. A forgettable game overall for the striker.
Substitutes
Greg Stewart N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Florian Kamberi N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
