Premiership giants Rangers lost their first game of the 20/21 season after a shocking 3-2 defeat at the hands of St. Mirren in the Betfred Cup. While the result itself is a surprising one, it must also be taken into account that neither of the Old Firm clubs will play in the semi-finals of this prestigious competition. Connor Goldson put the visitors in front in quite sensational fashion after a darting run and a pinpoint finish. Some clumsy tackling from Calvin Bassey then gave the home side a penalty, that was tucked away comfortably. It was Bassey who was responsible for the second St. Mirren goal as well.
As the game wore on, Steven Gerrard made a couple of substitutions that changed the tempo of the game. It wasn’t until late in the tie that Rangers were handed a free-kick (which should have been a penalty), with James Tavernier lining up to take it. The Englishman’s strike hit the bar, only for Steven Davis to volley it in. The visitors thought they had saved it, but their joy was to be cut short just minutes later. The home side surprised the Gers again and produce a goal in the dying minutes of the game, to hand the Ibrox club their first defeat of the campaign.
Here Are The Rangers Player Ratings Vs St. Mirren:
Rangers Player Ratings Vs St. Mirren
Allan McGregor – 6
The veteran stopper was required to do a lot more keeping than usual tonight as the home side attacked quite a bit. Made a couple of sharp saves but wasn’t able to keep out the goals.
James Tavernier – 6.5
The Englishman wasn’t at his usual fluent best down the flank, as he was required to do a lot of tracking back as well. He struck a sensational free-kick that hit the post before Davis’ goal.
Connor Goldson – 7.5
The big defender was undoubtedly the best player on the Rangers starting eleven tonight, as he often even acted as the driving force in attack. Scored a brilliant goal in the first half and worked hard.
Leon Balogun – 6.5
The Nigerian international centre-half played a couple of loose passes but was solid for the most part. Had to come off injured in a rather groggy state in the later stages of the tie though.
Calvin Bassey – 4.5
The youngster was brought into the team as a part of Steven Gerrard’s rotation, but it’s safe to say that the move backfired. He gave away the penalty and should’ve been stronger ahead of the second St. Mirren goal.
Scott Arfield – 6
The attacker wasn’t able to have his usual impact in the final third tonight as the game was extremely stop-start. Tried to play some forward passes but to no mentionable effect.
Bongani Zungu – 6
The summer loan arrival impressed with bits of his play during that tie as his passing and movement were both sharp. Looked confident when receiving the ball and got forward too.
Joe Aribo – 6
The Nigerian attacker produced a couple of excellent attacking situations for the Gers, but they weren’t able to capitalise. Didn’t get on the ball and make things happen as much as usual.
Kemar Roofe – 7
The big striker didn’t get on the scoresheet tonight, but he worked extremely hard off the ball. Put up a bustling display in attack but wasn’t able to really apply himself in the box.
Cedric Itten – 6.5
The Swiss striker wasn’t as good as required in the opposition box tonight, but he did well to link up play in certain moments of the game. Needs to be sharper with his movement though.
Ryan Kent – 6.5
The Englishman didn’t have his most influential game in the final third tonight, but he showed his quality in glimpses. Tried to carry the ball forward and pierce the St. Mirren back-line.
Substitutes
Borna Barisic – 6
Immediately looked better than Calvin Bassey defensively after coming on, and his impact was apparent to see over the course of the fixture.
Steven Davis – 6.5
The veteran midfielder’s driving runs were a highlight of Rangers’ second half-push, but he stepped up when it mattered and scored a good goal too.
Glen Kamara – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Jermain Defoe – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Ianis Hagi – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
