Rangers were far from their best against bottom-placed Hamilton Academical in last weekend’s 1-1 draw. They had to step up their display this afternoon against Kilmarnock, and Steven Gerrard’s juggernaut delivered a steady show to snatch a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a first-half stunner from Ryan Jack.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 1-0 win against Kilmarnock.
Allan McGregor: 7
The custodian had a busy occasion versus the Accies, and his heroics saved the Gers from humiliation at SuperSeal. But he was rarely tested this afternoon and had little to do en route to claiming yet another clean-sheet.
James Tavernier: 7.5
The skipper had one early goal controversially disallowed for offside. However, his marauding runs and persistent involvement in the attacking third kept the Killie backline on their toes.
Connor Goldson: 7
Had a comfortable outing in the heart of the defence. The likes of Nicke Kabamba, Rory McKenzie and Greg Kiltie failed to threaten the Bears enough, and the centre-half maintained discipline while winning duels and playing it out from the back.
Leon Balogun: 6.5
Returned to the starting lineup replacing Filip Helander. Made his presence known with his experience as well as the physical presence. Was in the right place at the right time and did well to contain the visitors all throughout the fixture. His push just outside the penalty box late in the game was a concern though.
Borna Barisic: 7.5
Was effective from his left fullback role with timely overlapping runs, crosses and link-up play with Kent and Aribo. Tracked back time and again and performed his defensive duties with the utmost composure.
Steven Davis: 8.5
Still irreplaceable in his mid-thirties as he orchestrated the show and controlled the tempo with his vision and creativity. Never allowed Kille to settle down in the centre of the pitch and was smart enough to convert defence into attacking threats with his range of passing.
Ryan Jack: 9
Has been a revelation since returning from his long injury layoff. His stunning volley from the edge of the box proved to be the difference between these two sides at Ibrox. Threatened with his down the middle runs to break down the deep-defensive strategy applied by Killie boss Tommy Wright.
Joe Aribo: 7
His relentless movements, swift one-twos and the ability on the ball helped Rangers dominate possession and add variation while building up moves from behind the frontline. Could have offered more in the attacking third in terms of positioning and finishing his opportunities. Also should have finished off the move late in the second half as Kent’s beautifully weighted pass deserved better.
Ianis Hagi: 6.5
Started the game brightly, came close to finding the net but faded off eventually in the second half before being replaced by new boy Scott Wright.
Ryan Kent: 7.5
Was denied by Colin Doyle in Killie goal early into the second half but his unpredictability and intelligence from the left-hand flank often troubled the East Ayrshire-based outfit. Made his way for Scott Arfield in the closing minutes who returned from a brief spell on the sidelines.
Cedric Itten: 6
The gaffer banked on the Swiss forward in the absence of both Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe due to suspension. Tried to exhibit his work ethics similar to the Accies tie but was mostly ineffective inside the box. Had an attempt stopped by Doyle just over the hour mark.
Rangers Substitutes Vs Kilmarnock
Scott Wright: 6.5
Still adjusting to life in Glasgow, the former Aberdeen attacker showed glimpses of his class while combining with skipper Tavernier late in the match.
Scott Arfield: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
