High-flying Rangers started their Scottish League Cup journey this afternoon against Kilmarnock FC at Rugby Park where they were troubled time and again by Steve Clarke’s boys throughout the previous term. The Light Blues, still unbeaten in all competitions under Steven Gerrard, had a difficult challenge but maintained their astounding form securing a comprehensive 3-1 win banking on Alfredo Morelos’ scintillating hat-trick and progressed through to the next round of this prestigious domestic competition.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 3-1 victory against Killie.
Wes Foderingham: 6.5
The former Gers ‘number 1’ started between the sticks for the first time this season in place of the magnificent McGregor. He was lucky not to concede in the first half as Kirk Broadfoot’s header hit the woodwork but could have done little to deny Borna Barisic’s unlucky own goal minutes after the break.
James Tavernier: 9.5
The skipper once again led his side by example as his persistent attacking contribution from the right-hand flank opened up space in Killie defence, and the fullback assisted thrice in the game for hat-trick hero Alfredo Morelos.
Connor Goldson: 8.5
Has been a revelation in Rangers defence as he continued his excellence all throughout and did not allow veteran Kris Boyd to cause menace like earlier encounters.
Nikola Katic: 8
Was rock solid alongside Goldson. Had a nasty clash of heads with Eamonn Brophy but got himself patched up and completed the game with great composure.
Borna Barisic: 7
Started his second game for his new club since completing a summer move from Osijek. The Croatian international was unlucky to concede an own goal but was a threat for the hosts while making forward runs to whip in crosses and play one-twos with Ryan Kent down the left flank.
Andy Halliday: 7.5
Did enough to clinch a clean sheet in a makeshift left-back role versus Maribor in their midweek Europa League fixture and was rewarded with a start in midfield in place of the rested Ryan Jack to control the flow from a deeper midfield slot. The Scotsman did a fair job to keep hold of possession, breaking down Killie’s moves and distribute the ball with calmness and concentration.
Ovie Ejaria: 8
Brilliant display from the Liverpool loanee as he kept the ball rolling, made relentless runs to control the midfield and also played his part in the build-up of Morelos’ hat-trick goal.
Scott Arfield: 7
The former Burnley star was at fault in Barisic’s own goal but mastered the moves otherwise from a free role in midfield and also saw his effort pushed onto the post by custodian Daniel Bachmann in the second half. Contributed in the build-up of Morelos’ third of the afternoon before being replaced by Ross McCrorie late in the game.
Jamie Murphy: NA
An early casualty of Kilmarnock’s controversial artificial turf as he was stretchered off the pitch following an early injury and was replaced by Daniel Candeias who stepped up and slotted in their attacking third for the rest of this fixture.
Ryan Kent: 8
Had a massive impact down the flanks as he kept on terrorising the Killie backline with his runs, cut insides and crosses. Was denied by Bachmann late in the game as the custodian saved the hosts from further humiliation.
Alfredo Morelos: 10
‘El buffalo’ has had a slow start under Gerrard but is now back to his best with a stunning hat-trick. He was denied a goal as well as a spot-kick early in the first half quite controversially, forced Bachmann into making several impressive saves and yet scored a sensational hat-trick exhibiting his excellence inside the box.
Substitutes
Daniel Candeias: 7.5
Was an early replacement for the injured Murphy but made an immediate impact down the right-hand flank to combine with Tavernier as the latter assisted Morelos to break the deadlock minutes before the half-hour mark.
Ross McCrorie: 6
Helped the Gers to defend the lead after coming on in place of Scott Arfield late in the game.
Umar Sadiq: 5
The AS Roma loanee had a glorious opportunity to score his debut goal in closing minutes but failed to deal with Tavernier’s outrageous delivery.
