Ben Davies horror show as Fashion Sakala impresses – Rangers player ratings v St Johnstone
The pressure has yet again mounted on Giovanni van Bronckhorst after Rangers were beaten 2-1 by St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.
A second-half goal from James Tavernier wasn’t enough for the Light Blues as strikes from James Brown and Nicky Clarke condemned the Gers to another defeat.
Here Ibrox News rates the players’ performance out of ten for their performances in the Gers’ latest Scottish Premiership fixture.
Allan McGregor – 6
Apart from the opening goal, McGregor had next to nothing to do. No keeper in the world would’ve saved James Brown’s 41st-minute strike.
James Tavernier – 6
Crossing in the first half was particularly poor. Tavernier gave the ball one too many times and lacked a little bit of quality at times. Improved massively in the second half and gave the Gers a glimmer of hope with his 74th-minute goal.
Leon King – 4
A really poor moment for St Johnstone’s second goal. Turned far too easy and allowed the ball to be delivered for Nicky Clarke to finish. Another learning curve for King, who is probably being chucked into the action far too often.
Ben Davies – 2
Started the game well and was distributing the ball well out from the back. However, his involvement in St Johnstone’s opening goal was really poor. Clearance was lacklustre and gifted possession back to the home side. Sloppy moments against lesser sides must be avoided. Found it hard to recover in the second period. Rightfully hooked off in the 60th minute.
Borna Barisic – 6
Barisic didn’t disgrace himself and was a threat out wide. Looked a little bit shaky defensively but he’s certainly had worse performances in the 2022/23 campaign.
John Lundstram – 6
A Poor first half from Lundstram but grew into the game and was desperately unlucky not to bring the Gers level with a wonder strike in the second half. Made some good runs forward to give the Gers more of a goal threat.
James Sands – 6
Kept things ticking over well in the middle of the park but faded after clearly tiring. Would’ve been nice to see Sands play slightly faster and into the feet of Rangers’ attacking players more often.
Malik Tillman – 3
Tillman yet again flattered to deceive in a Light Blues shirt after having the odd good moment in the first half. Gave the ball away for fun as well as some ridiculous fouls which allowed the home side to relieve the pressure. Can have no complaints about being subbed off.
Fashion Sakala – 7 (Man of the Match)
Potentially Rangers’ most effective attacker and that’s not saying a lot. Looked exciting in the first half, but faded badly in the second period. Showed he can be a real asset for this team going forward. Probably should’ve received the ball more.
Ryan Kent – 3
Please do more! Ryan Kent just doesn’t do enough in a Rangers shirt and he hasn’t done all season. He doesn’t cross the ball anywhere near enough and often doesn’t release the ball quickly enough. Hard to see the 25-year-old having many suitors when his contract does expire. When he did cross the ball it rarely got past the first man.
Antonio Colak – 5
Huffed and puffed but was starved of service yet again. Was up against three defenders, and stood little hope of winning anything in the box. Tillman’s poor display didn’t help the frontman. If he’s given service, he will score.
Substitutions:
Alfredo Morelos (on for Tillman, 60′) – 5
Scott Arfield (on for Davies, 60′) – 5
Glen Kamara (on for Sands, 79′) – 5
Rabbi Matondo (on for Kent, 79′) – 6
In other Rangers news, this Celtic chief wants private talks with the Gers after an incident that was brought up at their AGM.