Callum O'Connell

Sun 17 December 2023 17:01, UK

Rangers fought to secure a 1-0 victory against Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the Viaplay Cup final on 17 December, as Philippe Clement took home his first trophy since arriving in Glasgow.

The game was much tighter than either side would have liked, a scrappy affair that saw both teams struggle to stamp their mark on proceedings, and a scoreline of 0-0 until the 75th minute led to a nervy end.

However, it was James Tavernier who stepped up as he so often does to win the trophy for Rangers with an emphatic strike to beat the Aberdeen keeper and sent the Light Blues fans into raptures.

Ibrox News ranked the players out of 10 below…

Jack Butland – 7

Aberdeen’s direct style and counter-attacking meant Butland had to stay alert at all times and command his area when balls were being flung in. He did all of that and more as he continued his top-class start to his Rangers career, cementing himself as a fan-favourite at Ibrox.

James Tavernier – 8

Scott Arfield said at half-time that it was the least offensive he’d seen Tavernier play in a long time [BBC Sport, 16:02]. That looked to be the case again in the second 45 before the captain stepped up as he so often does to slam the ball home and win the trophy for Rangers.

Connor Goldson – 7

Dealt excellently with everything thrown his way by Aberdeen – and that’s exactly what the Dons were doing. Plenty of long and direct passes came his way, but more often than not he came out on top against the physical threat of the strikers.

Leon Balogun – 7

Very similar to his centre-back partner, he was dominant in his duels and prevented any threat Aberdeen had going forward. Perhaps should’ve scored when a golden chance fell to him, but it’s harsh to expect the defender to find the back of the net there.

Borna Barisic – 5

Another game where he struggled to find the target despite plenty of crosses into the box. Didn’t have too much to do defensively over the course of the game but was solid enough when called upon.

You’d like to see more from him going forward given the usual quality he possesses, but it was far from the worst he’s played this season.

John Lundstram – 7

The game suited his style of play – very scrappy with plenty of 50-50 challenges and tight contests in the middle of the park. As usual, he was strong in breaking up play and helping his team progress the ball and played a key role in securing the victory.

Dujon Sterling – 7

Given he was playing in an unfamiliar position in the centre of midfield, Sterling put in an impressive performance and got through plenty of work off of the ball to break up play and disrupt any Aberdeen attacks. A solid, if routine, midfield performance.

Todd Cantwell – 6

His dancing feet made him dangerous as ever on the ball, but he was often pushed to the periphery and failed to create much against a tight and deep defence.

Created a golden chance for Rangers to take the lead of the game, but it fell to Leon Balogun of all players. Anybody else and Cantwell would have had an assist.

Ross McCausland – 7

Looked like Rangers’ main threat going forward with his driving runs, and even had the ball in the back of the net albeit after the whistle had blown for a controversial foul by Sima. Another impressive display from the youngster who has stepped up his game this season.

Abdallah Sima – 6

Not as effective as he would have wished to have been against the deep block put in place by Aberdeen. His pace was nullified by the depth of the defensive line and they rarely committed enough men forward to exploit any weakness at the back where Sima often shines.

Some vital work helping Barisic in defence allowed Rangers to ease the pressure, especially towards the end of the game as things got tense.

Cyriel Dessers – 3

Utterly ineffective once again. There were suggestions he may have finally turned a corner after his goal in Seville, but his lack of impact on the game was matched by his failure to get on the end of any opportunities in the box, and yet again he was the weak point for Rangers.

Subs

Scott Wright – 6

Sam Lammers – 5

Kemar Roofe – 6

In other Rangers news, the reason for one ace’s absence was explained.