Jon McLaughlin: The 34-year-old made his third league start of the season and endured somewhat of an uncomfortable opening spell, shown a yellow card for scything down O’Halloran outside the box. Gathered a long-ball after the hour really well that had taken out his back line. 6
James Tavernier: Having recovered from a spell out with Covid, the Rangers captain returned to the team for the first time since the win over Ross County. Was perhaps guilty of playing sidewards too often in the opening 20 minutes, and few of his crosses found their intended recipient.
Provided a near-perfect delivery for Morelos soon after Rangers went behind and after the penalty curled a shot just over the bar. His goal just before the 80 minute mark was top class, curling over the keeper. Stepped up when it counted. 7
Leon Balogun: Tasked with replacing Connor Goldson in the Rangers defence, he came close with a header on 15 minutes. Generally dealt with any questions asked well in the opening period but perhaps had a part to play in a poor backline that led to the concession of the opener. 6
Filip Helander: Looked sharp after a busy international break with Sweden and positioned himself well to counter the pace of Michael O’Halloran in the first half, but was well beaten upon the concession of the opener by the former’s pace. Struggled on another occasion that allowed O’Halloran to cut the ball back across the face of goal. 6
Calvin Bassey: An early burst past Shaun Rooney earned a free-kick in a dangerous area. Bassey’s delivery was a mixed bag throughout the first half and he started the second period terribly, selling McLaughlin a hospital ball that could conceivably have resulted in the concession of a goal. 6
Steven Davis: Despite captaining his country against Switzerland in midweek, the Duracell bunny that is Steven Davis looked full of energy once again. Wasn’t his best performance from a distribution point of view but he grew into the game and provided a number of clipped balls over the top towards Tavernier. 6
Glen Kamara: An individual passage of play on 17 minutes could have created an opening, thanks to the usual box of trips and ability to manipulate the opposition. Always provided a calm touch, although at times, he could have moved the ball wide quicker like his team-mate Davis. 6
Joe Aribo: Should have taken a shot on 17 minutes but slowed the move down by trying to create a better position. Moved to the right in more 4-2-2-2 after the break saw him produce a better performance. Played the ball that led to the penalty and was able to isolate himself one-on-one more in general. 7
Ryan Kent: Slow opening half, lost the ball really poorly on the half-hour mark to cause a turnover before recovering possession. Too often he wanted to play possession football when his team needed more pace. Earned a penalty in the second half to change the course. To his credit, when he doesn’t play well he never hides, and winning the penalty gave him an obvious boost of confidence. Came close with a shot on 70 minutes. 7
Alfredo Morelos: Showed impressive flashes of quality in the first half to drop on the half turn and switch play, also reversed possession superbly on eight minutes but Tavernier fluffed his cross. Should have scored when a cross was whipped in front of goal and took another shot that forced a save before he was replaced by Sakala. 6
Kemar Roofe: Looked a step ahead of his teammates in the first half, always able to fashion a shot from a half chance. Had two half-chances before testing Zander Clark from outside the area.
Was rewarded with a penalty with he struck very well. If Roofe can stay fit throughout the season he has the prospect to become the team’s best player, such is his ability to always earn chances in the box and top-class movement. 7
Substitutes:
Jack Simpson: Came on for the injured Helander with 15 minutes or so remaining, dealt with most of the long balls that came his way although he allowed Stevie May one entry into the area far too easily. 4
Fashion Sakala: Offered an immediate threat in behind and although he looked to have wasted a good shooting opportunity before the second goal, he recycled possession well to retain pressure. Had a couple of moments where he perhaps should have made more of space in behind. 5
John Lundstram: Like against Ross County, he offered a really good contribution entering play with just a goal advantage. A surging late run almost produced a goal, but Sakala strayed just offside. 5
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