Too eager, imprecise, sloppy and fazed. That is how we would like to sum up Rangers’ performance in the Old Firm derby where they succumbed to their first defeat of the season against Celtic. The Hoops almost had a makeshift backline in this tie, and Gerrard’s men failed to carve out any clear cut opportunity as Celtic ran out 2-0 winners.
The first half was devoid of quality as both teams made some heavy touches. Celtic though were able to find one telling moment as Johnston was able to release Edouard on goal who finished smartly.
Gerrard must have had a resounding team talk at half time and Rangers tried to show their intensity in the second half. However, they just lacked quality to go past Celtic’s stubborn defence, and Forster was never tested much. Hayes got a late goal to wrap up the game as Rangers had pushed bodies forward.
Here is how Gerrard’s men fared in their defeat.
Allan McGregor 7.5
Was busy especially in the second half as he made some crucial saves to keep his side’s hopes alive.
Nikola Katic 7
Made one error throughout the game as he was caught in no man’s land in the second half. Apart from that, did his job well defensively.
Connor Goldson 5
Was partially to be blamed for the first goal. Made a few impressive blocks and interceptions but was sloppy with his passing on occasions.
James Tavernier 5.5
Wasn’t able to test Bolingoli much. His set-piece deliveries were also not the best. Improved in the second half but a lot more was expected out of the captain in a game like this.
Jon Flanagan 6
Forrest never really got a chance to have a run at him. Wasn’t troubled much defensively. Failed to provide anything meaningful while going forward.
Steven Davis 7
The only player who tried to make things happen as he was willing to always get on the ball to influence the play. Did a fine job in the middle.
Ryan Jack 6
Was sloppy in possession on various occasions which was quite uncharacteristic. Was up for a physical battle as he pressed and harassed his opposition. However, Gerrard would have expected a lot more quality from him when in possession.
Glen Kamara 5
Got a surprise start and didn’t look like he belonged in a game of this nature as he was caught in possession. Substituted at half time.
Joe Aribo 4.5
Couldn’t provide anything meaningful as long as he was on the pitch. Played upfront in the first half and dropped in midfield in the second half. Maybe the occasion was too big for the youngster.
Scott Arfield 5
Battled hard but never really managed to provide any quality moment.
Jermain Defoe 4
Had to feed off scraps as Rangers never really created an opportunity for him. Surprising that he even got to start.
Substitutes
Sheyi Ojo 3
Took one decent attempt on goal but apart from that was sloppy in possession. The game was too quick and intense for him as he came on in the second half.
Alfredo Morelos 6
Clearly a blunder from Gerrard to leave the Colombian on the bench. As soon as he got on, he made things happen even though he was imprecise in the final third.
Jordan Jones 3
Added pace and directness to Rangers’ attack but Celtic dealt with him well. Lashed out with a poor challenge on Bauer in the end.
