Rangers were supposed to challenge Celtic for the Premiership title after a bright start to their campaign under Steven Gerrard. But their dismal form of late has been a worrying sign for the gaffer prior to the next weekend’s famous Old Firm derby clash. The Gers were expected to uplift their show this afternoon in Perth against St. Johnstone. However, they barely managed to escape with a win when two second-half goals from Alfredo Morelos scripted a late comeback to ensure three massive points on the road for Gerrard’s men.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their stunning 2-1 win against St. Johnstone.
Allan McGregor: 7
One of Rangers’ top performers all season looked a bit nervy at times while judging the flight of the ball. Made some crucial saves though, particularly late in the game when he denied Blair Alston from restoring the Saints’ lead.
James Tavernier: 7
Was not creative enough high up the pitch despite making his usual overlapping runs to whip in crosses. Should have been more organised at the back but made a massive impact in the closing seconds when he sent in a perfect cross for Morelos to head home the winner.
Joe Worrall: 6
Was not convincing enough at the back and often looked rusty while making tackles. His passing game was impressive but lacked enough chemistry with Goldson in the heart of Rangers defence.
Connor Goldson: 6.5
Even though Goldson struggled against Matty Kennedy, the defender managed to marshall the goal with his positioning and timely blocks. His interceptions were good as well barring one occasion when Kennedy showed great composure to find the back of the net seconds before the half-time whistle.
Borna Barisic: 6
Misery continues for the Croatian since completing the summer switch to Rangers as he was once again forced to leave the pitch with an injury. Was looking sharp early on in the game while combining with Eros Grezda down the left before being taken off to be replaced by veteran Lee Wallace minutes before Kennedy’s goal.
Andy Halliday: 7.5
Started in central midfield in the absence of several injury casualties. Left a mark in the middle of the park with his sheer commitment and dedication.
Ross McCrorie: 6.5
The youngster took time to settle in but worked tirelessly to keep control of the midfield game with the hope of scripting a comeback despite conceding late in the first half.
Lassana Coulibaly: 5.5
Has been a shadow of his early days since completing his loan move from Angers. Started in a little-advanced role to occupy enough space while creating chances from behind. But the Malian disappointed once again and was taken off to be replaced by Kyle Lafferty minutes prior to the hour mark.
Daniel Candeias: 6
Candeias had his chances to score but failed to hit the target. Made some cut insides but was mostly contained by Scott Tanser down the right flank.
Eros Grezda: 5
His flashy skills and mazy runs were not enough to open up the Saints backline as he lacked accuracy in the final third. Got replaced by Glenn Middleton at halftime.
Alfredo Morelos: 9
El Bufalo was not allowed enough space in the first half but headed home twice after the break to seal three huge points in their title race.
Substitutes
Lee Wallace: 7
Conceded before settling in since coming on in place of the injured Barisic. Has not played much football this term but used his experience well to deal with the Saints pace and one-twos in and around the Bears box.
Glenn Middleton: 7.5
Made an immediate impact down the left as his cross was converted by Morelos to find an equaliser. His pace and purposeful runs often caused trouble in the Saints backline which failed to defend their lead despite dominating the majority of the game.
Kyle Lafferty: 7
His introduction caused enough menace in the hosts’ backline as he created free space for Morelos to target the goal. Was unlucky to be denied spectacularly by Zander Clark in St. Johnstone goal and also saw one of his efforts being cleared off the line by youngster Jason Kerr.
