A defeat to new boys Livingston on the road was a rare stumble by Steven Gerrard’s Rangers in this Premiership season. But they have recovered of late and closed the gap at the top with fierce rivals Celtic, the defending champions who recuperated from a slow start and gathered momentum of late. The Bears were determined to seek revenge at Ibrox this afternoon and continue their brilliant run in the aftermath of a 7-1 triumph over Motherwell before the international break. The hosts, however, did not disappoint at all and scripted a comfortable 3-0 victory to climb up to the second spot of the league standings.
Below are the Rangers players rated and slated in their comprehensive 3-0 win against Livingston.
Allan McGregor: 7
Was forced to make a decent save in the first half to deny Craig Halkett’s free-kick. The veteran Scotsman was mostly untested otherwise and earned a clean sheet that looked hard to come by in recent games.
James Tavernier: 8
The skipper enjoyed the majority of his minutes high up the pitch due to lack of pressure at the back from the visitors. His trademark crosses and link-up play from the right flank often troubled the Livi backline. Assisted Morelos in closing minutes who doubled the lead with great composure.
Connor Goldson: 7
Was a bit nervy in early minutes while defending set-pieces. But the ex-Brighton defender settled in well with time and looked confident alongside McAuley to shut down opponents’ threats.
Gareth McAuley: 7.5
The veteran was handed his first start since completing a Bosman switch in early September. The big centre-back looked comfortable at the back with a great aerial as well as physical presence. His presence helped Goldson regain his rhythm after a few challenging games before the international break.
Andy Halliday: 7
Was deployed in a left-back role and the Scotsman did not disappoint as makeshift. He kept on making overlapping runs, helped the attackers maintain the tempo and also forced Liam Kelly into making a decent stop late in the first half. Was replaced by Jon Flanagan late in the game.
Ryan Jack: 7
Was comfortable on the ball as the Lions pressed little to win it back in the middle of the park. Jack built the game up from deep down midfield and kept on switching it on the flanks with his passing skill.
Ovie Ejaria: 7.5
Looked creative with his movements and purposeful with his runs. Created enough space for his teammates and his ability to hold possession allowed the Gers to control the game throughout. Was replaced by Lassana Coulibaly late in the game.
Scott Arfield: 8.5
The Canadian continued his excellent form and found the net yet again from close range. Was denied by Kelly previously but kept on orchestrating moves from his free role.
Daniel Candeias: 8
The Portuguese professional looked sharp with his movements and smashed his header into the net within 20 minutes of the game from Middleton’s corner. Worked tirelessly from the right flank and delivered another stellar performance in Rangers’ colours.
Glenn Middleton: 8
The teenager looked lively from the left flank. Came close on a few occasions, was denied by Kelly in Livi goal but set it up perfectly for Candeias from the corner.
Kyle Lafferty: 6
Missed a few opportunities to find the net in his 150th appearance in Rangers colours. Did well to hold possession using his physicality inside the box but got replaced by Alfredo Morelos just over the hour mark.
Substitutes
Alfredo Morelos: 8
El Bufalo maintains his exquisite form as he doubled the lead in closing minutes from a majestic dazzling run beating past a couple of Livi defenders. Also, set it up for Arfield to make it 3-0 with seconds remaining before stoppage time.
Jon Flanagan: 6.5
Replaced Halliday and did a decent job with a balanced defensive as well as attacking display from his left-back role.
Lassana Coulibaly: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
