Rangers are having an incredible European run under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, but the same has not been replicated in domestic competitions. They lost to Celtic earlier this month in a crucial Premiership encounter and the gaffer Giovanni van Bronckhorst had to deliver this afternoon in this crucial encounter.
The Hoops broke the deadlock midway through the second half, but an incredible strike from Scott Arfield brought them back in the match. It was another gruelling 120 minutes for the Gers who stood up to the challenge once again, thanks to a late own goal from Carl Starfelt. They will now face Hearts in the Scottish Cup final after shattering Celtic’s treble dream at Hampden Park.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their incredible 2-1 win against Celtic.
Jon McLaughlin: 7
Claimed the crosses comfortably. Could have done little to stop Greg Taylor’s goal, but he hardly had to make a save otherwise.
James Tavenier: 7.5
Worked his socks off to maintain a balance between defence and attack. His timely overlapping runs and crosses were effective. Also, the skipper did extremely well to contain Filipe Jota defensively.
Connor Goldson: 8
Daizen Maeda’s pressing game troubled him initially. But he used his experience to calm things down before delivering another headstrong defensive display in the heart of the backline.
Calvin Bassey: 8
His playing style is not convincing, but the young Nigerian handled the situation quite well alongside Goldson. Later shifted down the left following Barisic’s injury, and his exquisite run and cross led to the decisive own goal from Starfelt that earned Rangers a place in the Scottish Cup final.
Borna Barisic: 7
Recovered from an injury suffered midweek and managed the game well with his link-up play and attacking expertise. Picked up another blow and was forced to leave the pitch during the second half of the extra time.
Ryan Jack: 7
Started the game brightly in the middle of the park. Helped his side retain possession and carry the ball forward from the deep. Looked a bit off coloured after the break and was eventually replaced by Steven Davis with 15 minutes remaining of the normal time.
John Lundstram: 8.5
Another impressive display from the Englishman who dominated the midfield game with his driving runs and relentless pressing. Hit the woodwork from outside the box late in the first half. Made way for Glen Kamra midway through the first half of the extra time.
Aaron Ramsey: 6
Was slowly settling in down the wide before enduring another injury woe that forced him to leave the pitch a couple of minutes before the half-time whistle.
Joe Aribo: 6.5
Tried his best to play his part in the attacking build-ups. Should have done better in terms of finding his teammates high up the pitch. Was replaced by Scott Arfield who made an instant impact by finding the equalizer.
Ryan Kent: 8
Made a massive impact down the left with his tireless runs and one-twos to frustrate the Celtic defence. Set it up perfectly for Bassey, who whipped in a low cross for Sakala that ended up into the back of the net by Starfelt.
Kemar Roofe: 7.5
Assisted Arfield late in the game. Had limited touches but posed a constant threat high up the pitch with his directness. Was replaced by Sakala during the second half of the extra time.
Rangers Subs Vs Celtic
Scott Wright: 6.5
Had a great impact from the bench against Braga, but he could not leave a mark this time despite some steady runs down the right-hand flank.
Scott Arfield: 8.5
Missed some tap ins on Thursday night. However, the veteran Canadian showed his class by finding the net with a stellar strike. Excellent with the ball at his feet as he added the much-needed push in the centre of the pitch.
Steven Davis: 7.5
Calm and composed display from the experienced Northern Irishman whose inclusion restored Rangers’ midfield dominance after a difficult phase of football.
Glen Kamara: 7
Kamara, too, exhibited his midfield mastery since replacing Lundstram in the extra time.
Leon Balogun: 7
Kept his nerves in the closing minutes alongside Goldson in deep defence.
Fashion Sakala: 7
Although it was Starfelt’s own goal at the end, Sakala deserves credit for chasing the cross that forced the Swedish centre-calf to make the mistake.
