Daniel Feliciano

Sat 13 May 2023 14:24, UK

Rangers claimed a huge 3-0 win over Celtic at Ibrox to hand Michael Beale his first win in an Old Firm derby at the fifth attempt on Saturday (13 May).

Rangers started the game quickly and took the lead after just five minutes when Todd Cantwell blasted home the rebound following Joe Hart’s save from a John Lundstram strike.

Celtic got a foothold in the game after that but it was the light blues who doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark, when John Souttar outmuscled the defender and headed home from a James Tavernier corner.

The second half was a more even affair but it was Rangers who got the all important third goal as Fashion Sakala pounced on a Starfelt mistake to race clear, before rounding Hart and slotting the ball into an empty net.

Here are our player ratings for each Rangers player for Ibrox News…

Robby McCrorie – 7/10

McCrorie earned his shirt with a good performance against Aberdeen last week and he showed that he deserved to keep it with another great showing. Some big saves, commanding in the box and good with his distribution too. He’s taking his chance to be number one right now.

James Tavernier – 6/10

The skipper was a threat going forward and didn’t have too much to do defensively, but the limited work he did do he made look tough whenever Celtic targeted him. Still, a more than solid showing for the most part.

Connor Goldson – 6/10

The best centre-back at the club dealt with Oh relatively easily for the hour or so he was on the pitch, and was just as important at keeping Kyogo quiet after that. Didn’t take any unnecessary risks and covered well for Tavernier whenever he pushed on.

John Souttar – 7/10

The partnership that a lot of fans have wanted to see this season lived up to the hype. Souttar covered well out wide whenever Ridvan bombed on and showed his dominance with a huge goal. If he stays fit, this is the partnership going forward.

Ridvan Yilmaz – 5/10

With Barisic not involved Ridvan got the nod at left-back and while he didn’t play badly, he was very wasteful in attacking positions where the delivery needed to be good. It didn’t matter too much today, but he has to improve that going forward.

Nicolas Raskin – 8/10

A dominant midfield performance from Raskin to show why he is the future of the midfield at this club. He sat deep and broke up play, but also dictated the tempo of the game in possession and was brave on the ball. An excellent performance.

John Lundstram – 7/10

The Lundstram of old was back in this game as he battled hard in midfield and won his individual duels, while also being more of a threat going forward too with his long distance shooting. A solid showing to prove he still has a place at the club.

Ryan Jack – 7/10

This type of performance shows why Michael Beale wants to keep Jack around next season. Full of energy and bite in midfield while also good in possession. He covered plenty of ground and ensured Celtic couldn’t control the midfield.

Todd Cantwell – 9/10

Without a doubt Cantwell’s best performance in a Rangers shirt and he proved he just gets it. A brilliantly taken goal for the first, and constant battling that led to Sakala’s goal to seal the points. The team looked to him for inspiration and he delivered. Brilliant.

Rabbi Matondo – 6/10

Playing slightly out of position in a front two, Matondo used his pace well to stretch Celtic and isolate their defenders but he struggled to really make an impact before being substituted.

Fashion Sakala – 7/10

Considering all the criticism he got for his performance a few weeks ago, Sakala was excellent here. He ran constantly and was a nuisance to the Celtic defence, while being a huge threat in behind. Thoroughly deserved his goal, which was well taken and certainly has a place here next season.

Substitutes

Ianis Hagi – N/A

Scott Arfield – N/A

Glenn Kamara – N/A

Alex Lowry – N/A

Zak Lovelace – N/A

In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton is “bemused” by recent Michael Beale decisions.