A midweek win against Livingston in the League Cup quarter-final uplifted the spirit in Rangers camp before travelling to Dens Park this afternoon to lock horns with Dundee. The Gers had the perfect start when Joe Aribo scored an early goal, but they had to overcome a second-half scare to retain the lead en route to securing three massive points.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 1-0 win against Dundee.
Jon McLaughlin: 8.5
Was spot on to save Jordan McGhee’s powerful header moments before Aribo’s strike. Conceded a penalty around the hour mark, however, he rectified his mistake by denying Jason Cummings from the spot.
James Tavernier: 7.5
Kept on making marauding runs from the right-hand flank. Linked up well with Aribo and Ianis Hagi, also tried to threaten Adam Legzdins in Dundee goal with his shooting traits.
Connor Goldson: 7
Steven Gerrard must be expecting more from his standout centre-half who has been a shadow of his earlier self so far this campaign. Looked lethargic at times which allowed the hosts to threaten the Light Blues against the run of play. Improved his game, particularly while defending the one-goal lead during the final quarter.
Leon Balogun: 8
Impressive once again as he was in the right place at the right time on most occasions, made some crucial recoveries and was swift to play it out from the back to stage transitions from the deep.
Calvin Bassey: 7
Created a few chances with his overlapping runs, long balls and crosses from the left-hand flank. Helped the defence to retain authority by tracking back and covering the ground behind.
John Lundstram: 7.5
Settling down finally as he grabbed the opportunity by dictating the show from the centre of the pitch. Had an effort saved by Legzdins, but his distribution, passing and through balls troubled the hosts time and again.
Glen Kamara: 7
Offered his usual technicality against former employers. Maintained his supremacy with passing and smart one-twos, but he did not make his presence known in the Dundee box.
Joe Aribo: 8
Excellent with his work ethic, flexibility and off the ball movements. His exquisite strike earned all three points from a tricky away tie. Lost possession a few times, but his recoveries and physicality helped Rangers dominate the outing.
Ianis Hagi: 6.5
Had a few shots blocked by the home side. Tried to dribble past the defenders but his crosses from the right lacked accuracy before making way for Scott Wright.
Kemar Roofe: 7.5
Lively in the attacking third as his directness caused menace in Dundee defence. Had a few attempts off target, also got denied once by Legzdins in the first half.
Alfredo Morelos: 7
Did extremely well to hold the ball and set it up for Aribo who found the net. Was taken off midway through the second half as the Colombian looked isolated high up the pitch.
Rangers Substitutes Vs Dundee
Fashion Sakala: 6
Did not offer much since coming on after replacing Morelos.
Scott Wright: 6
Tried to be more direct than Hagi from the wide.
Juninho Bacuna: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
