George Overhill

Sun 20 February 2022 14:30, UK

Rangers came back to reality following their huge European victory with a frustrating but hard-fought 1-1 draw at Dundee United.

After appearing to be completely on top of the match to start, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men went behind on the half-hour when Ross Graham beat Filip Helander at a corner to nod past Allan McGregor.

The visitors launched wave after wave of attacks through the second half as they looked to get back into the game, and found an equaliser when Joe Aribo blasted home after a nice move down the left involving Calvin Bassey and Ryan Kent.

The Dundee United defence threw themselves in front of everything to frustrate the Light Blues late on in a relentless finish.

Here Ibrox News brings you the Rangers player ratings from the visit to Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

Allan McGregor – 6

Powerless to stop Gers going behind when Helander was beaten too easily in the air. Sharp stop in the opening minutes of the second half. Barely called upon thereafter.

James Tavernier – 7

Unsurprisingly well involved in the Light Blues’ attacking moves from the get go, fired over twice with the teams’ first attempts, then made crucial block to divert Ilmari Niskanen’s shot wide. Put endless balls into the box as Rangers went searching for a goal late on.

Connor Goldson – 6

Not called upon until Niskanen run and shot midway through the half where he looked flat-footed. Seemed to wake him up as he was quick to crowd out Marc McNulty soon after.

Filip Helander – 4

Looked a step short of sharpness when he took out McNulty on the edge of the Gers box with first real involvement. Bullied by Graham for Dundee United’s opener during poor first half. Slightly better after the half but poor return to league duty. Subbed.

Calvin Bassey – 8 Man of the Match

Heavily involved throughout. Well forward from the off, looked like a winger at times inside the opening 10 minutes, showing quick, skilful feet down the left. Clattered on the edge of the box in first-half injury time. Great assist for equaliser, sprinting down the left and cutting back invitingly for Aribo. Strong all-round performance in favoured position, having come in for criticism at times lately.

Ryan Jack – 5

Unexpectedly subdued in the opening half. Improved later and saw late chance blocked by Charlie Mulgrew. Could have seen red for challenge at the death. Nowhere near his best.

John Lundstram – 6

Looked calm and assured on the ball to start. Stunner in Germany looked to have done wonders for his confidence, but turned too easily by Niskanen for home side’s first chance. Looked more harassed after going behind and faded as game went on.

Scott Arfield – 6

Passed up the chance to shoot when played in by Kent in showing surprising hesitancy. Picked up after that but wasn’t at his best before being replaced early in the second half.

Joe Aribo – 7

Good on the ball in the middle, gliding forward past Dundee Utd challenges. Central to attacking moves without quite clicking. Excellent glancing header was kept out by Benjamin Siegrist. Showed great determination to reach Bassey’s cut back and hammer an equaliser into the roof of the net.

Ryan Kent – 7

Provided plenty of threat Looked dangerous early and laid on a couple of chances. Influence and sharpness wained as hosts grew into the game. Turned and burst forward from half-way in the second half before sending a shot narrowly wide which Morelos couldn’t turn in. Great pass to free Bassey in build up for the equaliser.

Alfredo Morelos – 6

Off colour considering excellent form. Fouled a few times as he struggled to get up to his best in the first half. Booked before the half for a clash with Ryan Edwards as frustration built up. Liam Smith made a crucial block to keep him out soon after. Unable to put tantalising Sakala ball away midway through second half. Got a knee on a similar ball minutes later but blocked by Siegrist, then couldn’t get a touch on Kent’s shot.

Substitutes

Fashion Sakala – on for Arfield ’58 – 7

Unable to convert the rebound from Aribo’s header immediately after coming on, although he appeared to be being held back, with nothing given. Combined brilliantly with Aribo to lay on chance Morelos couldn’t convert. Same situation minutes later as the Zambian gave visitors a significant boost. Crashed into United keeper trying to finish Diallo injury-time move, resulting in injury. Fired an incredible cross off the bar from out wide in final seconds.

Amad Diallo – on for Helander ’74 – 6

Appeared unprepared for the fight to start with. Pulled out of a few 50/50s and gave up on a ball assuming he was offside when he wasn’t. Suddenly came to life to fly clear and hit the post as he came alive. Put dangerous cross in that lead to collision in the centre.

In other Rangers news, missing star Aaron Ramsey is expected to be back sooner rather than later.