A coronavirus outbreak in the Rangers camp led to catastrophe ahead of travelling to Armenia for the Europa League playoff fixture against Alashkert. Ten men Gers snatched a 1-0 win at Ibrox and the decimated squad managed to finish the job with a stalemate at Stadion Nairi.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 0-0 draw against FC Alashkert.
Robby McCrorie: 7
Grabbed a rare start due to the absence of both Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin. Was hardly tested between the sticks and the routine saves earned him a decisive clean-sheet.
Nathan Patterson: 7
Featured down the right-hand side of Rangers’ ‘back four’ with skipper James Tavernier ruled out with COVID-19. Did well defensively as he showed enough maturity to keep things calm and restrict his marauding runs despite the hosts being a man down for the majority of the contest. Whipped in a few pinpoint crosses for the attackers.
Connor Goldson: 6.5
Had nervy occasions in deep defence, particularly when he judged a low cross wrong and allowed an unmarked Jose Embalo to have an attempt on target. The Bears were fortunate though as the centre-forward failed to connect to it.
Filip Helander: 7.5
Unlike Goldson, the Swedish centre-half was solid in the heart of the backline. Maintained his positioning, dominated aerially, also made some no-nonsense clearances to keep it under control.
Borna Barisic: 7.5
His timely overlapping runs, cut insides and crosses often caused trouble in Alashkert defence. Defended well to retain supremacy all throughout the contest.
Steven Davis: 8
Outstanding once again despite the Armenian heat. Dictated the show from the centre of the pitch as he not only marshalled the defensive third but also carried the ball forward from the deep to distribute upfront.
Joe Aribo: 8.5
Impressed once again with his work rate, footwork and mobility in the middle of the park. His flexibility and holding traits allowed Rangers to switch formation and retain possession. Was unfortunate as he got denied twice by the woodwork.
Glen Kamara: 8
His technicality, intelligent runs and one-twos refrained the home side from controlling the midfield game. His link-up play with Aribo helped them defend the first-leg lead during the closing minutes of the game.
Scott Arfield: 7.5
Stepped up his game when it mattered the most. Worked tirelessly all throughout as he made his mark all over the pitch. Slowed down the tempo purposefully to avoid tiredness.
Ianis Hagi: 6.5
Had a lively start as he kept on creating chances from the flank. Tested the keeper between the sticks and was eventually taken off midway through the second half. Cedric Itten was introduced to offer more physicality high up the pitch.
Alfredo Morelos: 6
Should have found the net at least twice as he had the opportunities to kill the tie. However, his solitary goal at Ibrox proved to be decisive which earned them a spot in the Europa League group stages.
Rangers Subs Vs Alashkert
Cedric Itten: 6.5
Could not find the net but used his physique to hold the ball and win free-kicks late in the game.
