Rangers are practically out of the Premiership race following last weekend’s derby defeat against Celtic. They also lost 1-0 to Braga on Thursday night in the Europa League quarter-final (first leg fixture) and the pressure, therefore, was mounting on Giovanni van Bronckhorst before locking horns with St. Mirren at Greenhill Road.
But they stood up to the challenge against the Buddies with a thumping 4-0 win. This result should uplift the spirit within the camp ahead of hosting Braga in the decisive return leg fixture.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their commanding win against St. Mirren.
Allan McGregor: 7.5
A comfortable outing for the veteran Scotsman who hardly faced any challenges barring one occasion en route to clinching a rare clean sheet away from home.
James Tavernier: 8
Instrumental down the right with his marauding runs, crosses and cut insides. Set it up for Roofe who made no mistake to find the net and make it 2-0 during the first-half stoppage time.
Connor Goldson: 7.5
Had a few headed attempts off target. His long balls lacked accuracy most of the time, but the passing game out from the back helped Rangers form swift attacking transitions.
Filip Helander: 7
The injury misfortune continues for the Swedish centre-half. Got the nod ahead of Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey in the heart of the backline but was forced to leave the pitch with an injury minutes before Roofe’s second. Young academy prodigy Leon King replaced him in deep defence.
Borna Barisic: 8
His relentless runs and crosses from the left caused enough menace in the Buddies box. Linked up well with Ryan Kent high up the pitch and showed his defensive traits by tracking back and winning duels.
John Lundstram: 6.5
Started well in the centre of the park but was taken off midway through the second half following an injury concern. Veteran Steven Davis replaced him for the remainder of the game.
Joe Aribo: 8.5
A dominant display from the Nigerian who looked more comfortable in a box-to-box role rather than featuring as a ‘number 10’ or wide attacking midfielder. His stellar strike made it 4-0 late in the contest.
Aaron Ramsey: 7.5
Lively from the Welshman who came close to finding the net time and again before the break. Was denied once by Dean Lyness in the St Mirren goal, missed the target on one occasion, and also hit the woodwork moments after Roofe’s second. Was replaced by James Sands at half-time.
Fashion Sakala: 6.5
He tried his best to use his pace down the wide but lost the majority of duels and got dispossessed four times. Could not test Lyness in spite of his scoring attempts.
Ryan Kent: 8
His pinpoint cross was headed home by Roofe soon after the kick-off. His pace, tricky runs and creativity from the flank kept the home side on their toes. Was replaced by Scott Wright at half-time.
Kemar Roofe: 9.5
Has been criticized for his lack of involvement high up the pitch. But the Jamaica international responded to the criticism by firing in a hat trick. The job was done, and the manager decided to take him off for Amad Diallo around the hour mark.
Rangers Subs Vs St. Mirren
Steven Davis: 7.5
Showed great vision and composure while pulling the plugs as a deep-lying playmaker.
Leon King: 7
The teenager looked impressive with his no-nonsense clearances and passing expertise since replacing Helander.
James Sands: 7
Misplaced a few passes while finding his teammates in the attacking third, but the youngster showed his grit and determination to stake a claim in Van Bronckhorst’s first-team plans.
Scott Wright: 7.5
Grabbed his chance expertly with an energetic display from the wing. Missed one scoring opportunity but laid on for Aribo’s goal with 15 minutes remaining.
Amad Diallo: 6
Rare minutes for the Manchester United loanee who failed to make those count.
