Rangers, a galvanized force under new boss Philippe Clement, had a golden opportunity to close the gap with Celtic at the top of the Premiership standings. The Hoops dropped two points at home against Motherwell on Saturday afternoon, but the in-form Light Blues failed to capitalize on the champions’ blip as they only managed a 1-1 draw versus Aberdeen, thanks to an injury-time spot-kick converted by skipper James Tavernier.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their draw against Aberdeen.
Jack Butland: 7
Could have done little to stop Bojan Miovski from finding the net. But he made some crucial saves that kept the visitors in the contest right until the very end.
James Tavernier: 8
Showed his spark from the right-hand flank with his trademark runs, crosses, cut insides and shooting traits. His composure from the spot earned them a point moments before the final whistle.
Connor Goldson: 6
An afternoon to forget for the English centre-back who struggled to keep pace with the Dons’ striking duo Miovski and Ester Sokler. Should have spotted the North Macedonia’s run for his early opener. Drew a foul inside the box deep into the stoppage time that led to Tavernier’s equalizer.
Leon Balogun: 6
Balogun, too, had an underwhelming outing in the defensive third. Won a few duels, but his lack of movement and positioning led to vulnerability time and again. Was denied by the woodwork late in the game.
Borna Barisic: 6.5
Tried to be productive from the left. But his crosses and long balls were mostly inaccurate all throughout the game. His link-up play with Abdallah Sima did not work out either as the gaffer was forced to take the latter off midway through the second half.
Jose Cifuentes: 6.5
The injury absence of Ryan Jack earned him a start deep down the midfield. The Ecuador international was spot-on with his tackles and made an array of recoveries, but he failed to offer his presence in and around the attacking third in terms of creativity.
John Lundstram: 7
Got denied by Kelle Roos around the half-hour mark. Played some through balls and passes into the final third. Those, however, lacked accuracy and impact while searching for an equalizer.
Todd Cantwell: 6.5
Impressed with his dribbles and directness. Created a few chances from the right, but was taken off late in the game as he seemed to be short of ideas. Sam Lammers replaced him in the Rangers attack.
Tom Lawrence: 7.5
Was denied by the woodwork and the Dons custodian Roos on a number of occasions. His vision and creative spark often caused problems in the Aberdeen defence. Was replaced by Ross McCausland with 12 minutes remaining of the regulation time.
Abdallah Sima: 6
Lacked the spark that he usually offers from the left-hand flank. Made way for Rabbi Matondo who made his return after months of injury absence.
Danilo: 7
The Brazilian was left frustrated by Roos who denied him twice from a very close range. Failed to make a difference while spearheading the attack.
Rangers Subs vs Aberdeen
Rabbi Matondo: 7
Showed his finesse from the flank during the final half-an-hour of the encounter.
Sam Lammers: 6.5
Tested Roos in goal with an on-target attempt.
Ross McCausland: 6
Did not have many touches since coming on as a late substitute.
