Rangers received a double injury boost before the League Cup showdown with John Lundstram and Malik Tillman declared fit enough to start the high-profile final against Celtic at Hampden Park. Despite a bright start, the Light Blues lost the grip thus allowing the Hoops to take control of the game.
The latter grabbed the lead late in the first half when Kyogo Furuhashi slotted home from a close range, and the Japanese ace fired in again before the hour mark showing his exquisite poaching trait. Alfredo Morelos pulled one back minutes later, however, the Gers could not find an equalizer and ended up losing the final against their Old Firm rivals.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 2-1 defeat against Celtic.
Allan McGregor: 6.5
Did well to deny Jota early into the game. Could have done little to stop Kyogo’s brace as the Celts centre-forward slotted home from a very close range. Made a couple of late saves to keep Rangers in the contest.
James Tavernier: 7
Did his best down the right with marauding runs, crosses and set pieces. Assisted Morelos from the corner as he kept on pushing forward in search of an equalizer.
Connor Goldson: 6
Looked nervy at the back against the Bhoys’ swift one-twos and passing movements. Could not build the game from the back against the opponents’ pressing and relentless runs.
Ben Davies: 6.5
Made some crucial blocks and clearances to avoid further humiliation. Looked more composed than Goldson in the heart of the backline.
Borna Barisic: 6
Did his best defensively to keep hold of Jota. Should have offered more in terms of making overlapping runs, crosses and cut insides. Might have done better to stop Kyogo from finding the net for the second time.
John Lundstram: 5.5
Did not look fit enough to start the fixture after weeks of injury absence. Lost the duels, failed to recover the ball time and again, and was correctly taken off by Michael Beale for Todd Cantwell.
Glen Kamara: 5
Had a dreadful game as he was invisible in the centre of the pitch. Offered nothing in terms of breaking down Celtic’s moves and had no contribution to the build-up play. Was taken off for Nicolas Raskin soon after Morelos’ pulled one back for Rangers.
Fashion Sakala: 6
Should have kept in on target after the ball fell favourably into his path following Kent’s strike that hit the woodwork. Made some decent runs from the flank but he failed to make a mark before leaving the pitch for Scott Wight in the closing minutes of the fixture.
Malik Tillman: 5.5
Struggled to attune to the pace while operating as a ‘number 10’. Could not create much from behind the attacking third and was taken off midway through the second half in favour of Ryan Jack.
Ryan Kent: 6.5
Did everything right except the finishing as always. Was unlucky too as his strike hit the woodwork soon after the half-time break.
Alfredo Morelos: 7
Never looked threatening enough high up the pitch, but he did well to reduce the deficit with half an hour remaining. Was eventually subbed off for Antonio Colak late in the tie.
Rangers Subs vs Celtic
Todd Cantwell: 6.5
Added some creative spark with his swift footwork and directness as a midfield attacker.
Nicolas Raskin: 6
Operated as a deep-lying playmaker and allowed Jack to move forward.
Ryan Jack: 6
Tried his best to carry the ball forward and operate in the advanced areas.
Antonio Colak: 5.5
Could not make a difference since replacing Morelos.
Scott Wright: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
