Michael Beale’s Rangers surrendered dreadfully when they locked horns with PSV in the Netherlands for the decisive Champions League playoff fixture. A reaction was demanded from the Light Blues in the Old Firm derby, but they failed again in terms of tactics and quality. Although Kemar Roofe’s goal was controversially denied, their wastefulness high up the pitch resulted in a 1-0 defeat in front of the home crowd.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 1-0 defeat against Celtic.
Jack Butland: 6.5
Could have done little to stop Kyogo from firing in the solitary goal of the contest. Kept the Gers in the game by making some crucial saves.
James Tavernier: 6.5
Far from his best as the ‘captain fantastic’ was hardly accurate with his crossing and shooting traits. Made an array of recoveries, but he was often under pressure against Daizen Maeda’s pace and powerful runs from the flank.
Connor Goldson: 7
Made a goal-line clearance to deny Kyogo early into the tie. Should have done better in terms of winning the duels and playing it out from the back with pinpoint passes.
John Souttar: 6.5
Did the basics right with his positioning and no-nonsense clearances. Struggled at times with his pace, particularly against the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada.
Dujon Sterling: 6
Was deployed down the left as a makeshift. But he failed to make a difference before making way for Ridvan Yilmaz midway through the second half.
Ryan Jack: 6
Looked out of depth as the ‘number 6’, particularly against Callum McGregor who used his experience and expertise to control the show for Celtic. Made way for Tom Lawrence during the final quarter.
Nicolas Raskin: 6
Worked hard to regain possession in the centre of the pitch, but the gaffer has failed to deploy him in his preferred role amid ambiguity over formation and gameplan.
Todd Cantwell: 7
Was lively with his box-to-box movements. Tested Joe Hart in the Celtic goal, however, his finishing and final deliveries let him down on most occasions.
Rabbi Matondo: 6.5
The high-flying Welshman started the game brightly. But he faded off with time before making way for Sam Lammers.
Kemar Roofe: 6
His exquisite finish was controversially disallowed by VAR. Was largely ineffective otherwise as he was eventually replaced by Danilo just over the hour mark.
Cyriel Dessers: 6.5
His pressing game and work ethic have earned him a regular start. However, the Nigerian ‘number 9’ needs to work on his finishing and scoring ability to replicate the success of Alfredo Morelos. Was taken off for Abdallah Sima during the final quarter.
Rangers Subs vs Celtic
Danilo: 6.5
Looked lively since coming on. Had a few goal-bound attempts, but he failed to alter the scoreline as well.
Sam Lammers: 6
The Dutchman, too, lacked the finishing despite a few decent goal-scoring attempts.
Ridvan Yilmaz: 6.5
Returned to action after months of injury absence. Need more minutes to attune to the pace and aggression of the Scottish game.
Abdallah Sima: 6.5
Failed to make enough notable contributions since replacing Dessers.
Tom Lawrence: 6
Failed to make enough notable contributions since replacing Dessers.
