Rangers might have returned to the top tier of Scottish football last season following four years of absence, they still remain in Celtic’s shadow and have been soundly defeated by the famous rivals on repeated occasions. Today’s Old Firm derby clash at Celtic Park was all about pride and prestige as a win would have confirmed Celtic’s seventh successive league title.
The Gers, under Graeme Murty, had a roller-coaster ride in recent months but were on a mission to delay their celebration for a few days more. But they failed to form any resilience at Celtic Park and faced an even bigger humiliation compared to their Scottish Cup semi-final meeting a couple of weeks back.
Rangers, thus, witness another season of despair and will now be hoping for a better contest next term under Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard who is set to take charge of the Glasgow giants from next season onwards.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their disastrous 5-0 defeat against Celtic FC.
Jak Alnwick: 5
Conceded five goals but made a few decent stops to save his side from further humiliation. Was troubled all afternoon, could have done better on a couple of occasions.
James Tavernier: 4.5
An evening to forget for the fullback as he struggled against McGregor and also offered little high up the pitch.
Ross McCrorie: 5
Was hapless at the back as he could have done little to deny Celtic’s relentless attacking threats. Made a few blocks and clearances but the defensive line was repeatedly exposed from the flanks.
Russell Martin: 4
Should have played with more responsibility as he holds vast experience in English football. But the Scotsman was disappointing as he struggled against Celtic’s pace, power and composure high up the pitch.
Andy Halliday: 4.5
Declan John broke his hand in training which forced Graeme Murty to play Andy Halliday in a makeshift left-back role. He saw his effort hit the woodwork in the second half but was bullied by James Forrest all afternoon.
Jason Holt: 6
Was denied by Craig Gordon midway through the first half which could have been the equalizer. Holt tried to play passes, create moves and constitute attacks from midfield but lacked support and failed to deliver anything spectacular.
Graham Dorrans: 4
Had a dismal outing in midfield as he struggled against Rogic and kept on being dispossessed. His dreadful afternoon came to an end when he was replaced by Greg Docherty in the second half.
Daniel Candeias: 5
Could not create anything upfront as he had little support from Tavernier down the right flank. The Portuguese mostly spend his time offering defensive help to resist a relentless Celtic force all afternoon.
Josh Windass: 4.5
Made some runs which were mostly purposeless as he failed to create little for Cummings inside the box. Was replaced by Alfredo Morelos before an hour mark.
Jamie Murphy: 4.5
Once again disappointed in a derby encounter as the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee had a quiet outing as he could not create anything from the left wing.
Jason Cummings: 5.5
Remained isolated and lacked support from behind. Tried to create a few by his own but was caught by a composed Celtic backline.
Substitutes
Alfredo Morelos: 5
Came in place of Windass. Failed to offer anything spectacular.
Greg Docherty: 6
Did a much better job since replacing Dorrans. As he tried to hold the ball in midfield, slowed down the tempo and did not allow the hosts to cause further menace.
