George Overhill

Sat 8 April 2023 14:24, UK

Rangers endured a miserable afternoon as they dominated long periods of the Old Firm derby only to shoot themselves in the foot in a 3-2 loss to Celtic.

The Gers were the better side to start, and Alfredo Morelos thought he had opened the scoring when he tapped in at a corner before Kevin Clancy somehow ruled it out for a push on Alistair Johnston, so of course Celtic then took the lead through Kyogo Furuhashi less than 10 minutes later, but James Tavernier stepped up to curl a superb free kick in off the bar to level things just before the half.

After the break Michael Beale’s side were again on top until a Ben Davies error gifted the Hoops the lead once more through Kyogo, then John Souttar made a similarly glaring mistake 10 minutes later to let Jota in for a third, before Tavernier scored his 100th Light Blues goal with a late header.

Here, Ibrox News rates the Rangers players out of 10 for their performances at Parkhead.

Allan McGregor – 7

Two important saves to deny Jota but couldn’t get a strong enough hand on Kyogo’s opener, even if that wasn’t a howler. Badly let down by his defenders for the second and third goals.

James Tavernier – 9 Man of the Match

A captain’s performance as he looked to drag his side forward. Made it to 100 goals at the home of his great rivals. His equaliser just before the break was a free kick of the highest quality that silenced the home crowd, and his later header kept his side in it. Largely decent defensively as well but his huge impact wasn’t quite enough.

John Souttar – 5

So disappointing. A surprise inclusion thanks to a hip injury to Connor Goldson, he had grown into the game in just his second Rangers start, and was looking fairly assured. Then threw it all away with a sloppy pass-back that sold McGregor short and gave Celtic a third.

Ben Davies – 5

Just like his defensive partner, massively frustrating. A lot of good work that was undone by bad work. Nowhere near Kyogo for an early strike ruled out for offside and couldn’t get close enough for his opener. He had then grown into an assured presence at the back for the next 40 minutes before making a terrible error for the Japanese forward to score again, twice failing to clear his lines.

Borna Barisic – 7

Improved on some woeful performances at Parkhead in the past 18-months but still looked the most likely route for Celtic with Jota down his side, before Davies’ error. Produced an incredible goal line stop to keep one shot out that looked certain to hit the net. Would have been one of the moments of the match if the flag didn’t then go up, and it was his delightful cross from the right that Tavernier headed home late on.

Ryan Jack – 5

Ok at times but seemed to disappear for long periods. In his position that isn’t necessarily a terrible thing since Rangers weren’t overrun in midfield but far from his best game.

Nico Raskin – 8

Showed why Rangers fans had been waiting on his fitness all week with a stand-out performance in the first half. Put himself about in attack and defence while linking play better than anyone. Harshly booked for a nothing confrontation with Callum McGregor. Much less influential after the break which is perhaps understandable coming back from an injury.

Todd Cantwell (off for Wright ’86) – 6

Promised a lot but proved to be a bit of a let down after a strong start, with much not much else later on. Looked well up for his first Old Firm start from the off, pressing ferociously from the first whistle, but faded as the game went on to the point of anonymity.

Malik Tillman (off for Sakala ’68) – 4

Very disappointing. Wanted more time on the ball than he had and aside from a couple of flashes he didn’t react by improving his urgency. Lost possession too often in sloppy fashion. Has proven himself a quality player often this season but struggled here. Not surprising he was replaced first.

Ryan Kent – 5

Poor game. Surged into the box after an early Celtic error but ran out of ideas and quickly looked frustrated after a purposeful start. Never looked like showing the quality he has at any point from then on. On the rare occasions he had the ball in a threatening area he did nothing with it.

Alfredo Morelos (off for Colak ’86) – 7

Eventful afternoon. Had the ball in the net 20 minutes for what should have been the opener, but had it so harshly ruled out. Looked a real danger after the break and went close with two quick chances. Made a number of important defensive headers. Not his best game but certainly more useful than some of his teammates.

Substitutes

Fashion Sakala (on for Tillman ’68) – 5

Not enough impact in his time on the pitch.

Antonio Colak (on for Morelos ’86) – N/A

John Lundstram (on for Jack ’86) – N/A

Scott Wright (on for Cantwell ’86) – N/A

In other Rangers news, Michael Beale has been tipped for £15million in wages to play with as players are set to leave.