Despite returning to the top flight of Scottish football, Rangers have been in Celtic’s shadow in recent years but had an opportunity to shake off the disappointment and clinch something from another season of mediocrity by scripting a win against their great rivals Celtic in today’s Old Firm derby at Hampden Park.
The Scottish Cup semifinal handed Graeme Murty’s men to alter the obvious and seek a revenge of last month’s bizarre derby defeat despite leading twice in the first half and then conceding against a ten-man Hoops side at Ibrox after the break. They were thought to be more competitive this afternoon to salvage their elite status but suffered a shambolic 4-0 defeat instead as they were thoroughly dominated by the Bhoys who had a stroll in the park in yet another one-sided derby.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their disastrous derby defeat against Celtic.
Wes Foderingham: 5
Conceded twice from the spot and could have done little on the other two occasions as he conceded 4 altogether against the famous rivals.
James Tavernier: 5.5
Had little impact down the right flank as he failed to create his usual impression going upward with overlap runs and crosses. Was forced to restrict his game in defensive responsibilities but failed to avoid a humiliation in yet another Old Firm derby.
Ross McCrorie: 4.5
The youngster was outstanding against Dundee last week but failed miserably this afternoon and received a marching order after fouling Moussa Dembele inside the box within five minutes of the second half.
Russell Martin: 5
His failed clearance allowed Callum McGregor to double the lead inside the first half and the veteran centre-back could not handle the Hoops’ attacking flair throughout the contest.
Declan John: 5
Was repeatedly troubled by James Forrest and Patrick Roberts later on down the left and also offered very little in attack with his trademark forward runs.
Greg Docherty: 6
The youngster tried his best to hold the ball and create something from the middle of the park. Struggled but did not give up and fought until the very end to avoid further humiliation.
Andy Halliday: 4
Was handed a surprise start in the midfield but the gamble did not pay off as the Scotsman performed dreadfully and was forced to be taken off before half-time, minutes after the Gers conceded their second. Was replaced by Josh Windass.
Daniel Candeias: 5.5
Offered very little down the right-hand flank as the Bhoys dominated the game entirely. Tracked back to help the depleted backline and was sacrificed to be replaced by veteran centre-back Bruno Alves following McCrorie’s dismissal.
Graham Dorrans: 5.5
The Scotsman started the game in a slightly advanced midfield role but was shifted to his user central midfield slot after Josh Windass’ introduction. The veteran midfielder slowed the tempo down in midfield since being down to ten men and was eventually replaced by Jason Holt.
Jamie Murphy: 5
Was largely isolated and failed to create anything spectacular of his own to alter the scoreline.
Alfredo Morelos: 6
His shocking miss saw his hide suffering a home humiliation in last month’s Old Firm derby, but the young Colombian looked more purposeful this afternoon despite limited opportunities and was unlucky as his efforts were spectacularly denied by Craig Gordon in the Celtic goal.
Substitutes
Josh Windass: 5
Came in the first-half in place of Halliday. Had a few swift movements but failed to leave an impact.
Bruno Alves: 5.5
Was introduced in place of fellow countryman Candeias following McCrorie’s dismissal. Kept hold of the defensive line in adverse circumstances throughout the second half.
Jason Holt: 4.5
Conceded spot-kick minutes into entering the pitch as he fouled Patrick Roberts inside the box.
