Giovanni van Bronckhorst needed a commanding win this afternoon against St Johnstone with his job on the line. But he failed once again in terms of tactics and gameplan as the game ended 2-1 in favour of the Saints at McDiarmid Park. The misery continues for Rangers as they are now seven points behind Celtic in the title race.
Rangers players rated in their defeat against St Johnstone.
Allan McGregor: 5.5
Could have done little to stop both goals. Hardly had to make a save otherwise with limited yet effective attacking threats from the home side.
James Tavernier: 8
Was relentless with his runs, crosses, cut insides, set-pieces and goal-bound attempts down the right-hand flank. Reduced the deficit late in the game as he found the net from the edge of the box.
Leon King: 7
The 18-year-old centre-half looked sharp once again in the heart of the backline. Won the duels, was spot-on with his tackles, and also tried his level best to play it out from the back.
Ben Davies: 6.5
Returned to action after recovering from a minor knock that ruled him out against Ajax. Was taken off around the hour mark moments before Nicky Clark’s goal.
Borna Barisic: 7.5
Won the majority of tackles and duels, and kept on whipping in crosses from the left. But the attackers failed to convert those all throughout the game.
John Lundstram: 7
Worked hard in the centre of the pitch. However, should have done better to stop the build-up of James Brown’s goal late in the first half. Almost scored an equalizer moments after Tavernier’s strike, but his effort from distance was off the bar.
John Lundstram
James Sands: 6.5
Initially operated as the double pivot alongside Lundstram but was later shifted down the deep to partner with King in the defensive third. Was then taken off for Glen Kamara with 11 minutes remaining of the regulation time.
Fashion Sakala: 7.5
Showed great intent down the right with his pace and flair. His header, too, was denied by the woodwork early into the tie. Was replaced by Scott Wright late in the game.
Malik Tillman: 5.5
Forced Elliott Parish to make a save soon after the kick-off. However, he once again looked lethargic from his ‘number 10’ role and was taken off around the hour mark in favour of Alfredo Morelos.
Ryan Kent: 6
Predictable down the left despite having an attempt on target. Failed with his dribbling attempts, lost the majority of duels and his crosses lacked accuracy either before leaving the pitch for Rabbi Matondo.
Antonio Colak: 6
Had a few chances while leading the line. Should have done a lot better in terms of converting those opportunities.
Rangers Subs vs St Johnstone
Alfredo Morelos: 5.5
Failed to make any noteworthy contribution during the final half an hour of the encounter.
Scott Arfield: 6
Tried to find his teammates with his through balls while operating from the centre of the pitch.
Rabbi Matondo: 5.5
Could not make the most of his pace from the wing.
Glen Kamara: 5.5
Nothing exceptional from the Finnish midfielder since replacing Sands.
Scott Wright: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
