It’s only the first week of March and Rangers, unstoppable all season, now have one hand on the coveted Premiership crown following their thumping 3-0 win against St. Mirren. The Buddies have been the only outfit across competitions who defeated the Gers this campaign (in the League Cup). Yet they failed to put up a fight and surrendered miserably on Saturday afternoon. Celtic, therefore, have a must-win game tomorrow in order to delay the Bears’ celebration for a few more weeks.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their commanding win against St. Mirren.
Allan McGregor: 7.5
Remained largely untested until the 69th-minute mark when he was spot on to deny Jonathan Obika exquisitely and ensured another clean sheet after a 1-0 midweek victory versus Livingston.
Nathan Patterson: 7
Balanced his game between attack and defence. Did his job well at the back, also made timely overlapping runs to link up with Hagi down the right-hand flank.
Connor Goldson: 8.5
The stalwart centre-half played his part in Rangers’ early opener. Dominated the game defensively with his physical as well as aerial supremacy all throughout. Narrowly missed a scoring opportunity as his header went just off the target.
Filip Helander: 7
Was in the right place at the right time to partner Goldson at the heart of the backline. Did well with his tackles, interceptions and no-nonsense clearances. Made way for Leon Balogun around the hour mark.
Borna Barisic: 7.5
Was relentless with his marauding runs and crosses from the left-hand flank. Kept on creating chances from the wide and his presence high up the pitch allowed Kent to cut inside more often and offer directness.
Steven Davis: 7
Another calm and composed display from the veteran midfield maestro. Dictated the tempo from his deep-lying role, also injected variation with dribbles, through balls and vision. Was taken off to be replaced by Scott Arfield with half an hour remaining.
Joe Aribo: 7.5
Showed great confidence with the ball on his feet. Covered a lot of ground and played his part in the build-up to Hagi’s second-half strike. Found himself denied on one occasion by Jak Alnwick.
Glen Kamara: 8.5
Completed the most number of passes as he kept the ball rolling in the middle of the park. Offered technicality, intelligence and high work ethics from his midfield slot. Assisted Morelos to double the lead moments after Kent’s opener.
Ianis Hagi: 8
Was dropped against Livi but got the nod this afternoon in his preferred right-hand flank. Grabbed the opportunity as well with a calm finish when he found Kent’s delivery at the far post before firing in. Made way for Scott Wright late in the match.
Ryan Kent: 9
Was not at his best in midweek but exhibited his mastery with an early opener. Set it up for Hagi to make it three, also got denied by Alnwick from securing his second goal minutes after the break. Was taken off to be replaced by Greg Stewart.
Alfredo Morelos: 8
His stunning finish earned the hosts a 2-0 lead early into the game. Was effective with his link-up play and one-twos high up the pitch. Received plaudits while making way for Jermain Defoe around the 73rd-minute mark.
Rangers Substitutes Vs St. Mirren
Leon Balogun: 6.5
A good half an hour of football for the Nigerian in his preferred central defensive spot following a brief injury spell.
Scott Arfield: 6
Enjoyed his time on the pitch with his passing and positional display.
Jermain Defoe: 6.5
Almost found the net late in the game but the Saints’ custodian protected his side from further humiliation.
Scott Wright: 6
Attuning to Gerrard’s brand of football gradually following his winter switch from Aberdeen.
Greg Stewart: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
