A spirited display on Wednesday night went in vain as ten-man Rangers suffered a 3-0 defeat against Napoli in their Champions League game. They hosted bottom-placed Dundee United this afternoon and gaffer Giovanni van Bronckhorst made some key changes in the starting XI. Although it was not a convincing performance, the Light Blues grabbed an edgy 2-1 win and returned to winning ways after three successive heavy defeats across competitions.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their win against Dundee United.
Allan McGregor: 7
Kept his place between the sticks after a strong display against Napoli. Conceded around the hour mark when Liam Smith pulled one back for the Tangerines. Made some important saves otherwise to secure all three points.
James Tavernier: 8
Looked menacing down the right with his relentless runs, crosses and cut insides. Did extremely well to regain possession and set it up perfectly for Colak’s early opener.
Connor Goldson: 7
Dominated the duels but his passing game could have been better, particularly during the quick attacking transitions from the back. The Gers are still lacking the overall composure in the defensive third.
Leon King: 7
Started in place of James Sands. Did the basics right while partnering with Goldson in the heart of the backline. Van Bronckhorst must find stability in deep defence, something the 18-year-old might not be able to offer week in week out.
Borna Barisic: 8
Impressed once again with his overlapping runs and attacking expertise. His exquisite delivery led to Colak’s second goal of the afternoon minutes into the second half.
John Lundstram: 6.5
Not his best game as he got dribbled past a few times and kept on losing duels. Did well in terms of passing and distribution.
Ryan Jack: 7.5
A much-improved performance from the Scotsman who controlled the game as a ‘double pivot’ alongside Lundstram. Carried the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas of the pitch. Made way for Scott Wright midway through the second half.
Charlie McCann: 7
A first league start for the youngster who settled in quite well in the middle of the park. Operated from a slightly advanced role but was shifted deeper after Wright’s introduction.
Scott Arfield: 6.5
Was not always successful with his dribbling attempts. Lost the majority of duels and offered little threat in the attacking third. Made way for Malik Tillman midway through the second half.
Ryan Kent: 7
Caused problems from the left as he created a number of chances for his fellow attackers. But his finishing, as well as lack of defensive effort, troubled the Gers once again.
Antonio Colak: 9
Back in the first team on his birthday and celebrated the occasion with a brace. Exhibited his exquisite finishing ability on both attempts.
Rangers Subs Vs Dundee United
Scott Wright: 6
Whipped in a few crosses that lacked accuracy.
Malik Tillman: 7
Looked sharp as a ‘number 10’. Missed a great scoring opportunity late in the game.
