Rangers, a rejuvenated force under Steven Gerrard, have been in fine form at home as well as abroad so far this season. They are on a mission to knock Celtic off the Scottish perch, and therefore, eyed a thumping win over St. Mirren on Sunday lunchtime. The Buddies stunned Aberdeen last week at St. Mirren Park but failed to upset the Gers who clinched a narrow 1-0 victory banking on Borna Barisic’s exquisite free-kick.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their win against St. Mirren.
Allan McGregor: 7
Was lucky not to concede as Jon Obika’s cross-cum-shot clipped the far post before being cleared. Made a couple of routine stops and grabbed a crucial clean sheet to ensure all three points.
James Tavernier: 7
His set-pieces, for a change, were not effective enough this afternoon. But the crosses whipped in from the right-flank caused menace inside the Saints box even though those were not converted by his teammates.
Connor Goldson: 7.5
Was in the right place at the right time and dealt well with the physicality and pace of Obika as well as Anthony Andreu. Tired to play it out from the back to instigate attacking moves.
Filip Helander: 6.5
Was nervy at times and mistimed a few tackles. Improved his game with time and delivered a towering display under challenging circumstances.
Borna Barisic: 8.5
Has often been criticised for his form as well as fitness. But the Croatian earned a massive win by his own when his free-kick beat the majestic Václav Hladký around the hour mark.
Ryan Jack: 7.5
Did well to break down the hosts’ attacking moves time and again in the centre of the pitch. Created a few chances upfront and was denied by Hladký once within ten minutes into the second half.
Joe Aribo: 8
His down the middle runs, dribbles and one-twos often created space in St. Mirren defence. Came close to finding the net on a few occasions and performed stupendously yet again in a box-to-box role.
Glen Kamara: 7.5
Was calm and composed over the ball, held the possession well, and his distribution depicted creativity throughout the game.
Scott Arfield: 6.5
A terrific save from Hladký denied Arfield from close range late in the first half. Looked purposeful with his runs and combined well with Tavernier down the right-hand flank. Was replaced by Andy King late in the game.
Jordan Jones: 5.5
Was not at his best despite a few smart moves from the left. Tried to cut inside but got denied by the resilient Saints backline. Made his way for Steven Davis midway through the second half.
Jermain Defoe: 7
Threatened time and again high up the pitch but failed to find the net due to the excellence of Hladký in St. Mirren goal. But he made his contribution by winning a free-kick which was fired in by Barisic in a spectacular manner. Was replaced by Alfredo Morelos with 15 minutes remaining on the clock.
Substitutes
Steven Davis: 6.5
Calmed things down in the middle of the park and did well to defend the narrow lead with his work ethics and experience.
Alfredo Morelos: 6
Showed glimpses of his quality in and around the box despite failing to find the net.
Andy King: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
