Premiership giants Rangers got their French pre-season tour off to the right start after an inspired 2-0 victory against Ligue 1 heavyweights Lyon. The Scottish club started the game looking a little bit weary, but soon began to really come into proceedings. Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi linked up for the opener, before the Romanian slotted home the Gers’ second to shore up the tie.
The biggest talking point of the fixture came in the first half as well, when the referee decided to show Kent a straight red for what looked like a yellow card incident at best. Despite the home side’s valiant efforts and even the introductions of star names Memphis Depay and Moussa Dembele, Lyon were unable to carve a way through the ten men tonight. Steven Gerrard, while obviously being frustrated about the sending off, will have a lot to be motivated about going into the next fixture.
Here Are The Rangers Player Ratings Vs Lyon:
Rangers Player Ratings Vs Lyon
Jon McLaughlin – 6.5
The new arrival wasn’t called into action on too many occasions by the Lyon attackers. Looked comfortable when advancing to collect a ball and tried to release quickly as well.
James Tavernier – 7
The full-back played multiple brilliant crosses into the box in the first half tonight, and linked up superbly with the midfielders as well. Tracked back and didn’t allow the Lyon forwards any space.
Connor Goldson – 7
The Englishman had a solid outing at the heart of defence for the Ibrox club as he made multiple important interceptions all through the evening. Didn’t allow the Lyon attackers space to work in
George Edmundson – 7.5
The youngster was a brick wall at the back for Steven Gerrard’s side tonight as he won most of the aerial crosses that Lyon produced. Positioned himself well and made some good tackles too.
Borna Barisic – 7
The speedster had a sensational first-half against the Ligue 1 side as he was afforded acres of space to run into down the flank. Played multiple good crosses into the box and defended well.
Steven Davis – 6.5
The veteran midfielder worked extremely hard tracking back all through the tie, but he linked up play effectively when required to. Moved the ball around with confidence in the middle of the park.
Ryan Jack – 7
The Scot sat just in front of the Gers’ defence line and gave them ample protection. Jack was the initiator of every Rangers attack with his highly efficient link-up play in the first half.
Joe Aribo – 6
Deployed in one of the advanced midfield roles tonight, the youngster didn’t have the impact he might’ve been hoping for in the first half. Played alongside Morelos in the second phase and looked a bit better.
Ianis Hagi – 8
The Romanian was sensational in attack for the Gers tonight as he rotated well with Kent and caused the Lyon defence various problems. Claimed the opener before slotting the second home in style.
Ryan Kent – 6.5
The Englishman had an extremely influential first-half tonight as he made multiple dangerous advances into the Lyon box. Setup the opener before receiving a questionable red card.
Alfredo Morelos – 5
The Colombian was a mere spectator for the entire outing as he failed to create any meaningful situations in the final third of the pitch. Didn’t look sharp in possession and his positioning was flawed too.
Substitutes
Scott Arfield – 6
Slotted into midfield well and ensured to move the ball when the Gers were attacking. Worked hard at the back in the final stages of the tie as well.
Glen Kamara – 6.5
The youngster showed multiple good turns and touches in the midfield area for the away side tonight, as he tried to get things moving in the forward direction.
Brandon Barker – 6.5
The youngster was a right bundle of energy in attack after coming on. Setup a glorious chance for Jones with a lung-busting forward run as well.
Jordan Jones – 6
The youngster was set up expertly by his strike partner in the second half, but he sent his hurried strike just wide. Tried to make things happen in the final third.
Ross McCrorie – 6
The Scot was brought into midfield tonight, but he looked nothing like his usual self and even missed a sitter. Was moved into defence later on and looked much better.
Calvin Bassey – 6.5
The former Leicester City man showed good attacking intensity after coming on, but didn’t look at his sharpest at the back. Looks to be full of potential though and could be a top player in the future.
Greg Docherty – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Lewis Mayo – NA
Didn’t have time to make a real impact, but made some important blocks.
Nathan Patterson – NA
Didn’t have time to make a real impact, but made some key interceptions.
