Fabio Silva shines as Oscar Cortes debuts – Rangers player ratings v Livingston
Rangers kept up their momentum with a comfortable 3-0 win at Ibrox over Livingston as Fabio Silva suggested he can fill the gap at striker in a game where the visitors rarely threatened.
A frustrating first half looked like it was about to fizzle out with the score goalless before Silva broke the deadlock with his first for the club from a knockdown at a corner to cap a strong half, and Rabbi Matondo added a deflected second in stoppage time after cutting in from the left.
Todd Cantwell combined with Ross McCausland to add a well-worked third in the 56th minute and the points were safe from then on, as Oscar Cortes made a debut off the bench and Silva shone.
Here, Ibrox News rates the Rangers players out of 10 for their performances at Ibrox.
Silva stands out for Rangers
Jack Butland – 6
Virtual spectator for the most of the afternoon.
James Tavernier – 6
Wasn’t far from scoring direct from a corner in the opening minutes in windy conditions and involved in attack throughout as there was little to cover defensively but one of his quieter games on the whole.
Connor Goldson – 6
Played some nice balls into the box as Rangers tried to kick-start an increasingly lethargic display before the deadlock was broken. Did arguably get lucky with a high foot that was checked by VAR just before Silva’s goal. Not called upon defensively for the most part.
Leon Balogun (off for Souttar ’22) – 6
Unfortunate to see his start cut short. Comfortable on the ball and had very little defensive work to do in his time on the pitch. Came off worse in a nasty clash of heads when going for a header inside 20 minutes and had to be replaced after a delay of a few minutes. How long he is out with a potential concussion might be a concern for Philippe Clement.
Borna Barisic (off for Yilmaz ’61) – 6
In some ways the ideal match-up for the Croatian as he was able to swing in dangerous crosses without being put under significant pressure defensively. He’s been tipped to be off sooner rather than later but got the start over fellow exit-linked full-back Ridvan Yilmaz but didn’t get the opportunity to show a huge amount in his hour on the pitch aside from some nice early balls in from the left.
Ryan Jack (off for Lawrence) – 7
Good game in his first SPFL start since mid-November, admittedly against a side that weren’t threatening much on the break. Smashed a threatening long-range towards the top corner to show early intent and moved the ball well under little pressure, with some incisive balls forward particularly useful. Likely to see even greater threat to his playing time after big money was committed to Mohamed Diomande but did what was asked of him at Ibrox here.
John Lundstram – 5
Kept the ball moving, but mainly sideways, in an afternoon where he didn’t really need to get out of second gear but not a particularly notable appearance as he seemed to coast through the game.
Todd Cantwell – 8
Busy and industrious display without being able to produce anything especially telling for the best part of an hour but changed that decisively as combined well with McCausland to tuck in the Rangers third.
Ross McCausland (off for Wright ’76) – 7
Quiet opening stages but was within inches of a stunning opener as he curled a speculative left-footed attempt towards the far post from outside the box. Excellent wide play for the third as he received a ball from Cantwell then drove forward and assisted with a perfect cut back.
Rabbi Matondo (off for Cortes) – 7
Hard to complain too much when he scored at a key time but felt like he could have made a lot more of the day as he was frustrating for long periods but his persistence paid off. Looked to have the beating of Livi down his flank but didn’t really take advantage of that fact as he often cut back inside. Almost broke the deadlock with a close-range effort that was tipped over just before the opener, then did add a second before the break after cutting back in once more, this time getting a helping hand with a deflection to give Shamal George no chance.
Fabio Silva (off for Dessers ’76) – 9 (Man of the Match)
Excellent game to lift hopes after the failure to sign a striker in the January window. Looked very sharp from the start and got his reward with a first Rangers goal. He will be expected to be capable of leading the line as a number nine, and started well in that regard with flick-ons and hold-up play but looks like he needs runners going beyond him still. Reacted quickest at a corner to volley a loose ball home, then almost added a stunning second with the outside of his foot as confidence started to flow. Went close with another spectacular effort in the second half.
Substitutions
John Souttar (on for Balogun ’22) – 6
On as an extra concussion substitute. As with most of the Rangers defenders on the day he didn’t need to do a great deal more than be in the right position.
Ridvan Yilmaz (on for Barisic ’61) – 7
Caught the eye with a stunning lob that came down off the under side of the bar. Could have gone in January but looked to be the top option at left-back currently.
Tom Lawrence (on for Jack ’61) – 6
Another encouraging performance off the bench as he looks to continue building fitness.
Oscar Cortes (on for Matondo ’61) – 7
Welcomed on for his debut by an expectant fanbase and showed some flashes down the left as he beat his man in a way Matondo had opted not to and sent a ball in for Silva to go close.
Cyriel Dessers (on for Silva ’76) – 6
Fired one over the bar from close range when he looked certain to add a fourth. His form has been much-improved of late, but on a day where Silva suggested he could be the answer Dessers reminded why the lack of striker options is a risk.
Scott Wright (on for McCausland ’76) – 7
Decent late cameo down the right.
In other Rangers news, another new signing has already been lined up this year with an agreement reached in Deadline Day.
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