Premiership leaders Rangers extended their lead over Celtic at the top of the table to six points tonight after a rather comfortable 2-0 victory against Livingston. The Gers kicked the game off in sensational fashion, and within the opening twenty minutes of the tie, they were already two goals up.
The first one was scored by Joe Aribo, after some excellent work from Ianis Hagi in the build up, while the second was tucked in by Jermain Defoe. James Tavernier played in a quite beautiful cross, which Defoe met first time on the volley, in what was arguably the Premiership’s best goal so far. Despite being in control for the entirety of the fixture, they were unable to find the net again, but Steven Gerrard’s men are sure to be extremely happy with the result.
Here Are The Rangers Player Ratings Vs Livingston:
Rangers Player Ratings Vs Livingston
Allan McGregor – 7
The keeper was barely called into action tonight as the away side were limited to very few real scoring opportunities. Was perhaps fortunate on one instance when a shot came off the post.
James Tavernier – 8
The skipper put up a sensational display down the flank once again as it was his peach of a cross that led to Jermain Defoe’s spectacular goal. Composed when required to defend as well.
Connor Goldson – 7
The big Englishman didn’t have all that much to do in terms of defending as the Livingston attackers were kept rather quiet over the ninety. Made some important blocks at the back though.
Filip Helander – 7
Like his centre-half partner, Helander put in an extremely solid shift in the heart of defence, as he passed the ball around with complete comfort. Didn’t make any silly decisions at the back either.
Calvin Bassey – 7
The youngster was brought in instead of Borna Barisic tonight, after the Croatian seemed to pick up a knock. Defended and attacked well, and showed his crossing ability on various instances.
Steven Davis – 7
The veteran sat in front of the back-line and ensured to keep the ball ticking when they were in possession. Never really challenged in midfield and he played some comfortable forward passes too.
Ryan Jack – 7
The Scottish midfielder has seemingly made one of the number eight roles his own once again after returning from injury. Sharp with his passes and made some good attacking runs as well.
Ianis Hagi – 7.5
The Romanian was all over the Livi defenders in the first-half, but his end product slowly fizzled out. Kept trying to create inroads all night, and did well to setup Aribo for the opener early on.
Joe Aribo – 8
The Nigerian’s return to the starting eleven will come as a massive boost for Gerrard, as his movement and passing made it look like he was never gone. In the right place to tap in the opener as well.
Ryan Kent – 6
The usually dependable trickster was unable to produce the quality that has come to be expected of him tonight. Just seemed to be having an off day, but did have the odd good moment though.
Jermain Defoe – 7.5
Although the English veteran didn’t have too many clear chances, he scored a truly magical goal in the first-half. Offered something different from Morelos and gave the Livi defenders a hard time too.
Substitutes
Kemar Roofe – 6
The Jamaican wasn’t able to build on his sensational midweek goal with another one tonight. Worked hard and tried to make things happen in the final third of the pitch though.
Scott Arfield – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Cedric Itten – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Jordan Jones – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
