Rangers, the Glasgow giants, have shown massive upsurge since Pedro Caixinha’s departure and Graeme Murty, their caretaker gaffer, has taken his side to the 2nd spot of the Premiership tally. The Gers were tipped to continue their momentum this weekend following a sensational midweek victory against impressive Hibernian and their Saturday afternoon fixture at Ibrox against mid-table St. Johnstone was an opportunity to keep the pressure on league leaders and age-old rivals Celtic FC. The hosts started the game brightly with an early goal but lost their way and conceded thrice later on to suffer a dismal defeat.
Below are the Rangers FC players rated from their shocking defeat against St. Johnstone.
Wes Foderingham: 4
Looked nervy from the very beginning and conceded thrice in the game. An evening to forget for the Gers custodian.
James Tavernier: 6
The right-back looked purposeful with his runs, crosses and link-up play. Came close to pull one back in closing minutes but was denied by a spectacular challenge from the Saints’ Joe Shaughnessy.
Bruno Alves: 4.5
The veteran Portuguese international was not at his best and often looked off-paced and out of position. Time to step up for his new club who truly need his experience to make up the lost ground.
Danny Wilson: 5
Wilson scored the winning goal against Ross County on last Saturday but lacked defensive composure this afternoon. He was taken off in the second half as Murty added more firepower up front by bringing in Eduardo Herrera which, however, went in vain.
Declan John: 5
John was rusty with his challenges and failed to help his backline when needed. His final deliveries lacked accuracy too.
Ross McCrorie: 5
The youngster lost possession many a time and failed to break down the opponent’s threats from a deeper midfield role. Not an impressive display from McCrorie particularly after such a great show in recent weeks.
Jason Holt: 5.5
Holt looked promising in the beginning but struggled in later minutes due to lack of support from his teammates.
Ryan Jack: 6
Jack had an impressive return with a sublime assist for Morelos in early minutes. He worked hard, tried to link-up forward by orchestrating moves from the behind, but lack of finishing traits cost the Gers severely.
Daniel Candeias: 5
Linked up a few times down the right-hand flank but failed to make any noteworthy contribution and was eventually replaced by the veteran Niko Kranjcar seconds later Denny Johnstone earned the visitors a surprise lead in the second half.
Alfredo Morelos: 7
The youngster from Columbia continued his goal-scoring run when he netted home in early minutes. The hosts, however, failed to hold the lead or outscore their opponents to grab a win.
Josh Windass: 6
Windass was decent with his pace and tricky runs but missed too many opportunities that should have been converted into goals.
Substitute
Niko Kranjcar: 5
The Croatian was brought in to guide his depleted side with his experience and organize them to script a comeback. Kranjcar was decent at times but failed to alter the shambolic outcome.
Eduardo Herrera: 5
The Mexican has really struggled to fit in his new club and failed to leave any such impact up front since coming on as Wilson’s replacement.
