A team yet to lose a game this season were supposed to win this afternoon against Ross County. Rangers are unstoppable right now and the Staggies, despite knocking down Celtic last week in the Cup tie, were no match in front of Steven Gerrard’s men at the Victoria Park. The Gers had an engaging midweek win against Standard Liege in Europa League but dealt with the fixture congestion exquisitely following a comprehensive 4-0 win versus the hosts to stretch the lead at the top of standings furthermore.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their commanding win against Ross County.
Allan McGregor: 7.5
Yet another cleansheet for the veteran Scotsman who pulled off timely saves and restricted the home side from staging a comeback against the ruthless Light Blues.
James Tavernier: 9
The skipper is in red-hot form as he added one more goal to his tally minutes before the hour mark. He assisted Kemar Roofe to break the deadlock midway through the first half and also forced Callum Morris to score an own goal from one of his dangerous crosses whipped in all throughout the game from the right flank.
Conor Goldson: 8
The defender maintained his towering presence in the heart of the backline barring a few occasion when Ross County created some smart counter-attacking moves. Was spot on with his tackles, played it out from the back, also delivered some ambitious long balls from the deep.
Leon Balogun: 8
His experience and expertise helped him deal with the early threats. Calmed things down with his confidence and composure in terms of retaining the ball and distributing it upfront for his teammates.
Calvin Bassey: 7.5
The youngster was preferred over Borna Barisic down the left-hand side of Rangers’ ‘back four’. It was a decent outing overall as he balanced his game between attack and defence, linked up well with Ryan Kent and tried to contribute with cut insides and crosses.
Steven Davis: 8.5
A stalwart figure for the Bears who delivered once again in the absence of Ryan Jack. Played his part in the build-up to Roofe’s first-half strike, also dominated the midfield game with possession and vision while orchestrating from his holding role.
Joe Aribo: 7
A treat to watch when the ball is on his feet as the young Nigerian midfield prodigy did not disappoint while carrying it forward and creating opportunities high up the pitch. Was taken off midway through the second half and made way for Scott Arfield.
Glen Kamara: 7.5
Kamara, too, had a dominating display with his passing and movements. He kept the ball rolling in midfield, found the right pass all the time and earned plaudits from the gaffer while making way for Defoe with 15 minutes remaining.
Kemar Roofe: 9
Had injury nightmares since leaving Leeds United but is back again at his best. Not only he scored the opener but also kept the Staggies on their toes with his tricky turns, swift runs and off the ball movements. Played his part in Tavernier’s goal and tested Ross Laidlaw between the sticks before making way for Itten with 15 minutes remaining.
Ryan Kent: 7.5
Played his part in the build-up of Tavernier’s goal and posed a constant threat from the left with his usual dribbling attributes, pace and power. Whipped in crosses, linked up with fellow attackers and opened up space in the opponents’ defence time and again. Left the pitch to make way for Hagi with 15 minutes remaining.
Alfredo Morelos: 7.5
Rangers are no more reliant on Morelos’ goal and the Colombian, too, has added more traits to his game on top of his scoring skills. He works a lot, tracks back to win possession and combines upfront to feed his teammates. Missed scoring opportunities but compensated with his work ethics. Made way for Zungu with 15 minutes remaining.
Rangers Substitutes
Scott Arfield: 7
Was lively from the middle of the park and created chances with his range of passing and smart one-two movements.
Bongani Zungu: 7
Impressed in limited minutes and offered his physicality deep down the midfield.
Jermain Defoe: 7.5
Might be in his late 30s, but you can’t simply stop Defoe from finding the net. Was exquisite with his finishing late in the game as he converted from Itten’s cross.
Cedric Itten: 7.5
Did exceptionally well to win the ball back before assisting Defoe from the right-hand flank.
Ianis Hagi: 7
Came close to score from a free-kick but was denied by Laidlaw in the Staggies goal.
