Rangers are relevant again in title challenge after an incredible start to the new season under Steven Gerrard. But the task for Gerrard was more significant on Sunday lunchtime when they locked horns with age-old rivals Celtic at Celtic Park in the season’s first Old Firm derby. The Hoops humiliated the Teddy Bears time and again in the past two seasons and showcased their supremacy once more grabbing a 1-0 win following a dominant display. The iconic Liverpool midfielder tastes his first managerial defeat to his former boss who has definitively proved that it’s still Celtic’s league to lose.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their disappointing defeat against Celtic.
Allan McGregor: 7
Was lucky to see a couple of Celtic efforts hitting the woodwork in quick succession but could have done little to stop Olivier Ntcham’s second-half goal that sealed the outcome. Made some good saves throughout the game but his efforts went in vain as the Gers failed to grab a result on the road.
James Tavernier: 5.5
Failed to make enough impact going forward and the crosses were highly disappointing on most occasions, unlike his previous outings. Gave up his run when the hosts found the net from a well-constructed counter attack.
Connor Goldson: 6.5
Was having a decent outing but could not prevent Celtic from breaking the deadlock as a classic counter-attack was converted calmly as the Gers did not have enough bodies behind to stop the threat.
Nikola Katic: 6
Struggled against the fluidity of the Celtic attackers who were moving the ball fast and made runs towards the Rangers defence to cause menace.
Borna Barisic: 6
Had an improved defensive display but offered little going forward. A lack of intent high up the pitch restricted him in the defensive third.
Ryan Jack: 6.5
Had a tough time in midfield against the physicality of Scott Brown, lung-busting runs of Olivier Ntcham and swift movements of Tom Rogic who were combining persistently to develop moves in and around the Rangers box. The Scotsman had an encouraging attempt from a distance in the early minutes and marshalled the defensive line with composure and concentration. However, a collective failure saw his side going down against the famous rivals. Was replaced by Glenn Middleton late in the game.
Ovie Ejaria: 5
Was having a blistering run in recent weeks but must take the blame this afternoon for conceding just over an hour mark. He gave up chasing Tom Rogic allowing him acres of space to pick Odsonne Edouard. The Frenchman then found James Forrest who slipped a pass for Ntcham to hit the net.
Scott Arfield: 6
Tried to win the ball back in midfield and build up moves releasing it quickly. Also tried to slow it down to have enough support forward to create chances.
Ryan Kent: 6
Started the game brightly with some purposeful runs down the flank but lacked creativity high up the pitch and was short of options as well against an experienced and synchronised Celtic backline. Exhibited high work ethic but could not alter the fate of the game before being replaced by Daniel Candeias in the closing minutes.
Alfredo Morelos: 6
Saw his effort denied by custodian Craig Gordon at the near post minutes after Ntcham’s decisive goal. Extended his stay at Ibrox penning a new deal but should work on building a chemistry upfront with Lafferty before it gets too late.
Kyle Lafferty: 6
Tried to threaten aerially but his headers were wide off target in both the halves and could not secure a result for his new side as he did with Hearts a few game weeks ago.
Substitutes
Glenn Middleton: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Daniel Candeias: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
