Rangers recorded an important 2-0 win over Ross County at the start of a massive week.

Kemar Roofe opened the scoring with a clever volley before James Tavernier netted a sensational strike to secure all three points.

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Roofe provides reminder

Roofe was the forgotten man at Rangers last season but he made his first start under Michael Beale in Dingwall. The 30-year-old has been plagued by injuries but Beale suggested that the attacker could be a ‘starter’ under him when he faced the media on Friday. Roofe played from the left of the front free and he was afforded the freedom to drift into central areas. The Jamaican international is renowned for his predatory finishing but he showed his vision and passing ability with a brilliant cross to Cyriel Dessers, which he should have finished. Roofe is a clever footballer and he almost released Dessers again with a brilliantly disguised pass in 18 minutes.

With so much competition for places in attacking areas, it was imperative for Roofe to take his opportunity and he achieved that in style with an excellent finish to open the scoring. James Brown was positioned well as Borna Barisic swung in a corner, but Roofe wrestled with the Ross County defender before producing an inventive finish under pressure to volley home. Roofe looked determined to impress and his attitude was faultless as he worked hard out of possession. It was an encouraging hour from Roofe and if he can remain fit then he will be an important player for Rangers this season.

No room for complacency 

The trip to Dingwall signalled the start of a massive week. Rangers face a Champions League decider against PSV in midweek, but it was imperative that they didn’t allow their attention to wander to that game. Ross County can be tricky opponents at home, but Rangers arrived in the Highlands with the correct mentality and they established a two-goal lead courtesy of a professional first-half performance.

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John Souttar and Goldson were authoritative at centre-back and they thwarted the danger of Jordan White and Simon Murray, while Jack Butland eased the pressure by collecting a number of crosses. Rangers clearly grew in confidence after their two goals and they were more incisive with their passing until half-time. Their concentration dropped for five minutes after the interval and they were fortunate to escape unpunished when Jordan White missed a simple header. It will be a completely different test against PSV and the Dutch side will dominate possession, but Rangers have responded well to the Kilmarnock defeat. It’s almost a fully fit squad, the new signings are gelling and there’s reason to be optimistic. Celtic’s visit to Ibrox next Sunday ends a pivotal week in Rangers’ season but they are beginning to look a more cohesive side after a concerning start. 

The width debate 

So much talk around Beale’s tactical style this season has centred around width. Rangers have predominately played without wingers with James Tavernier and Borna Barisic tasked with providing width. Both full-backs were positioned high in Ross County’s half throughout the first half and it was a clear feature of Rangers’ play to try and find them with diagonal passes from Connor Goldson. With Tavernier and Barisic positioned high and wide, it allowed Roofe and Lammers to drift inside and link with Dessers. Tavernier’s performances have been under the microscope recently but he highlighted his attacking ability, once again, with an outrageous goal.

The captain showed great awareness to nip in front of a Ross County defender to win possession and he drove inwards before producing a brilliant curled finish into the top corner. Barisic also registered his fourth assist of the season when he set up Roofe’s opener and it shows how important the two full-backs are in Beale’s preferred system. They will be more reserved in midweek against PSV as Rangers do leave space behind the full-backs and they could be exposed against better opposition. Barisic enjoyed a superb game and he defended well throughout. 

Impact subs

Rabbi Matondo’s recent redemption arc has displayed promise that he can revive his Rangers career. The Welshman netted his first goal in midweek to build on impressive performances against Livingston and Morton. Matondo was unfortunate not to be rewarded with a start in Dingwall, but he’s such a dangerous impact option from the bench. Matondo and Abdallah Sima changed the dynamic of the game against Livingston and they were both introduced together again this afternoon. They both possess lightning pace which can be extremely effective when the game becomes stretched. Sima and Matondo exploited the space vacated by Ross County as they pushed forward and Rangers should’ve added to their lead in the last half hour.

It was at Dingwall last season that Beale claimed that Matondo lacked confidence, but he looked completely transformed recently and he looked dangerous after his introduction. He burst past James Brown and he came within inches of scoring after he raced onto an excellent John Lundstram pass. Sima showed some promising moments and he also made a crucial interception from a Ross County free-kick to prevent a certain goal - his aerial ability in defending set-pieces is an asset. Rangers’ bench was incredibly strong this afternoon and Beale has different profiles of players at his disposal.