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Fashion Sakala in 3/10 stinker as Borna Barisic shines - Rangers player ratings v Raith Rovers
Rangers strolled into the Scottish Cup semi-finals with a bland 3-0 win over Raith Rovers at Ibrox on Sunday, 12 March.
Connor Goldson headed in a wicked Borna Barisic corner just before halftime before a calamitous Ryan Nolan own-goal doubled the Gers’ lead in the 58th minute.
Scott Arfield then rounded off the routine victory in the 88th minute after some unselfish play by Todd Cantwell.
Michael Beale’s Rangers will face either Celtic, Inverness or Falkirk or Ayr in the semi-finals at Hampden Park, with the draw to take place on Monday (13 March).
Here, Ibrox News has rated the players out of 10 for their performances against Championship side Raith.
Allan McGregor – 6
As expected, McGregor was largely untested against Raith. He did, however, have a heart-in-mouth moment in the first few minutes of the game when Esmael Goncalves almost caught him out with an effort from his own half.
James Tavernier – 6
It was an aimless cross by Tavernier that resulted in Raith’s Nolan’s own goal but if you don’t buy a ticket to the lottery… Tavernier’s performance was decent. He wasn’t tested defensively and his attacking involvement was good.
Connor Goldson – 6
Goldson may have been on the scoresheet for Rangers but at the other end of the pitch, he was a bit of a liability. In the first few minutes, he allowed Goncalves to have a shot at goal from distance when he passed the ball to him. It could have been so much worse. He did again later in the first half before powering in a very good header from a Barisic corner.
Ben Davies – 6
It was a quiet one for Davies, who had to focus more on playing it out from the back rather than doing any defensive work. He won’t have many easier shifts at Ibrox than that.
Borna Barisic – 7
Stephen Craigan said on Viaplay that Barisic had a “field day” against Raith – and he’s not wrong. Barisic fired some wonderful crosses into the penalty area in the Scottish Cup tie, with his best being from a corner to assist Goldson’s goal in the 43rd minute. Man of the match.
Nicolas Raskin – 6
Raskin’s started well at Ibrox but that game was a bit of a bye for him. He’ll get away with sitting deep and playing the easy pass against Raith Rovers but he’ll get found out in the league for it.
John Lundstram – 5
Lundstram’s pointless second-half yellow card was a good metaphor for his performance. He didn’t really offer much. He didn’t really do anything wrong but his whole display lacked invention, lacked energy and lacked passion. It was just dull and we’d much rather see Ryan Jack playing in the league than him in this role.
Todd Cantwell – 7
Out of all the attacking players, Cantwell was probably the least worst. It doesn’t say much about his performance but Cantwell did offer some creativity and did offer chances for his teammates, including the assist for Arfield’s late goal. He needs to do more in the league, however.
Fashion Sakala – 3
Very poor. Sakala’s cutting edge was nowhere to be seen against Raith. He found himself a bit too narrow, in our opinion, as Raith sat back and soaked up the pressure. Sakala’s better suited to more open, free-flowing games where he can get in behind. His simulation in a bid to win a first-half penalty was pathetic.
Ryan Kent – 4
Sigh. Kent is capable of tearing up teams like Hibs on a weeknight but by the weekend, he’s proving ineffective at home against a Championship side at home. Kent’s too inconsistent and doesn’t get enough goals and assists to be such a regular in a three-pronged Rangers attack. It will be a blessing in disguise when he goes in the summer and we can bring in someone who offers more on a consistent basis.
Antonio Colak – 5
Colak didn’t offer much except for getting involved in some neat build-up play and a couple of fancy flicks. He’s got to be scoring in a match like this, no excuses.
Substitutes:
Ridvan Yilmaz (on for Barisic, 66′) – 5
Scott Arfield (on for Sakala, 66′) – 6
John Souttar (on for Goldson, 66′) – 6
Ianis Hagi (on for Kent, 79′) – N/A
Alfredo Morelos (on for Colak, 79′) – N/A
In other Rangers news, this Ibrox ace has been tipped to join a “big club in England” after what Beale said.