It was a must-win Old Firm derby for Rangers to stay in the Premiership race. Although they knocked Celtic out of the Scottish Cup semifinal, fatigue and injuries made the job harder for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men against their bitter rivals at Parkhead. The Hoops grabbed a deserved first-half lead through Filipe Jota, but the Light Blues staged a comeback after the break when Fashion Sakala grabbed an equalizer. The Zambian should have earned all three points, however, his late attempt hit the woodwork.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 1-1 draw against Celtic.
Allan McGregor: 6.5
Could have done little to stop Jota from finding the net. Was hardly tested otherwise between the sticks.
James Tavernier: 6.5
Tried his best to leave an impact down the right with his marauding runs, crosses and cut insides. Was not allowed enough space by Greg Taylor and the rest of the Celtic backline. Should have done better to spot Daizen Maeda’s movement before Jota’s goal.
Connor Goldson: 7.5
A strong defensive display from the former Brighton centre-half. Contained Kyogo Furuhashi all throughout, also won the aerial duels against Giorgos Giakoumakis late in the match.
Calvin Bassey: 8.5
A majestic display from the young Nigerian who has been a revelation in the heart of the backline. His progression under Van Bronckhorst has been tremendous.
Borna Barisic: 6
Must take the blame for Celtic’s goal as he failed to prevent Jota from finding the net. Did not offer much going forward, and also struggled at the back when the Hoops were whipping in crosses from the wide.
John Lundstram: 8
Another impressive performance from the Englishman who drove the show from the middle of the park. His ball-carrying ability, strength and down the middle runs often opened up space in the Hoops’ half.
Steven Davis: 7
Maintained his composure in midfield. Used his experience and vision to add variation in the attacking build-ups from the deep. Made way for Ryan Jack just over the hour mark.
Scott Arfield: 6.5
Worked hard to win possession and script attacking transitions from his wide midfield role. Failed to create enough attacking opportunities before making way for Amad Diallo with minutes remaining.
Joe Aribo: 6
Could not find the rhythm while operating from an advanced midfield role. Was taken off around the hour mark and replaced by Scott Wright in search of the equalizing goal.
Ryan Kent: 7
His finishing let him down a few times, but a smart one-two with Sakala led to the crucial second-half goal that helped them avoid another derby defeat.
Fashion Sakala: 7.5
Had a disappointing first half. But the Zambian beat Joe Hart at his near post to find the equalizer midway through the second half. Forced the Hoops’ keeper to make a crucial save minutes later, also his late attempt hit the woodwork.
Rangers Subs Vs Celtic
Ryan Jack: 6.5
Struggled initially to settle in but controlled the show eventually from the centre of the pitch.
Scott Wright: 6.5
Added pace and freshness in a decimated Rangers attack.
Amad Diallo: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
