It was never going to be an easy ride for Rangers this afternoon when they locked horns with Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup semifinal. Dreadful defending cost them a goal late in the first half, but the Gers managed to find an equalizer around the hour mark. It was all square after 90 minutes, however, ‘super sub’ Kemar Roofe found the winner minutes into the extra time and ensured a face-off with bitter rivals Celtic at Hampden Park.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 2-1 win against Aberdeen.
Allan McGregor: 6
A young McGregor would have stopped Bojan Miovski’s opening goal, but he should not be blamed for it given the howler made by Ben Davies and Borna Barisic. Made a crucial diving save to deny Hayes from finding an equalizer.
James Tavernier: 8
Another scintillating performance from the skipper who was relentless from the right-hand flank. Kept on creating chances with his shots, crosses and final deliveries into the box, also had a deflected effort that hit the woodwork moments before Roofe’s winner.
Connor Goldson: 7
Decent in deep defence with timely tackles, interceptions and clearances. Played it out from the back and his long balls were often causing problems in the Dons’ defence when the Light Blues opted for a more direct approach.
Ben Davies: 6
Should have done better to track Miovski’s run for the Aberdeen goal. Improved his game in the second half and delivered a resolute display except for a few nervy occasions.
Borna Barisic: 5.5
His mistake saw the Dons grab a lead against the run of play. He was creative with his overlapping runs, crosses and chance creation, but his vulnerability in the defensive third got exposed once more. Made way for Adam Devine late in the game.
John Lundstram: 7.5
Another strong midfield performance from the Englishman who did his best to win duels and dominate possession in the middle of the park. Was taken off for Scott Wright before extra time.
Ryan Jack: 8.5
Excellent in the centre of the pitch as he kept on creating chances with down-the-middle runs and eventually brought Rangers back in the game with an equalizer.
Fashion Sakala: 8
Electrifying from the flank with his pace, swift footwork and prowess. Came close to finding the net time and again, including an early effort that hit the post. Made way for Scott Arfield after the first half of extra time.
Malik Tillman: 6.5
Offered his creative spark as a ‘number 10’. However, the USMNT star struggled with time and eventually made way for Glen Kamara in the second half.
Ryan Kent: 7.5
Lively down the left as he played his part in the build-up of Jack’s equalizer. Kept on causing menace in the Aberdeen backline with his directness and cut insides.
Alfredo Morelos: 7
Looked sharper while spearheading the attack. Assisted Jack around the hour mark and was taken off around the 74th-minute mark for Kemar Roofe.
Rangers Subs Vs Aberdeen
Kemar Roofe: 7.5
Made no mistake to put the ball into the back of the net. But he could not continue with yet another injury scare.
Glen Kamara: 7.5
Added more depth in midfield as his technicality helped Rangers calm things down and pull the strings.
Scott Wright: 7.5
His great run from the left flank opened up space in the opponents’ defence before Roofe’s winner.
Scott Arfield: 6.5
His experience helped Rangers defend the lead for the final few minutes.
Adam Devine: 6.5
Added more composure in the defensive third while defending the lead.
Charlie McCann: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
