Rangers player ratings v Ross County: Rabbi Matondo in 4/10 stinker despite win at Ibrox
Rangers missed their opportunity to move above Celtic as they could only manage a 3-1 win over Ross County at Ibrox on Wednesday 14 February.
The Light Blues claimed all three points thanks to a brace from Cyriel Dessers and a late header from John Souttar to move level on points with the Hoops at the top of the table. However, Philippe Clement’s side will remain second on goals scored.
While the Gers will be delighted to have extended their winning run under the Belgian at Ibrox, they should have been out of sight much earlier in the contest as they missed several excellent chances to extend their lead.
Ibrox News have rated the players out of 10;
Jack Butland – 6
The Englishman barely had a save to make and could do little about the away side’s goal as it was thundered in from close range. Given his excellent performances this season, he was due a quiet evening and he would have been thankful for the rest.
James Tavernier – 8
As always, the Rangers skipper put in a number of wicked deliveries and had the Gers’ finishing been better, he could have come away with more than three assists. Since Clement arrived the right-back has been back to his best and if the Gers win the title, he’ll play a huge part in that. Didn’t have loads to do defensively and wasted a couple of reasonable set-piece opportunities but all in all, it was another good display from the Rangers captain.
Connor Goldson – 6
Was too slow to react to the long ball for the away side’s first-half equaliser and didn’t put enough pressure as the ball was crossed into the penalty area. Hacked a couple of clearances in the opening 45 minutes to keep his side under pressure. Improved as the game went on with a couple of important interventions but would have been hoping for a clean sheet.
John Souttar – 7
Saved himself with a late strike after a fairly poor defensive display. The Scotsman was caught out and took far too long to deal with the long ball for the away side’s leveller. A couple of really dodgy touches that put the Gers’ defence under pressure in the second half and were perhaps lucky not to see further mistakes punished. Souttar has been in and out of the side this season but has likely saved his place with that late goal.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 7
The Turkish fullback has been in fine form recently and that continued to provide a real threat going forward with a number of top-class deliveries into the penalty area. Like the rest of the backline, Yilmaz didn’t have loads to defensively but worked hard out of possession when it was required.
Tom Lawrence – 7
When the Welshman is fit and available, there are few better in a blue shirt. The midfielder never got out of second gear but was once again excellent in a deeper midfield role alongside John Lundstram. Perhaps could have shown more conviction in front of the goal as he failed to really test the keeper with several long-range efforts.
John Lundstram – 7
The former Sheffield United man once again was reliable if not remarkable in the middle of the park as he demonstrated his excellent range of passing to repeatedly unlock County’s low block. He may not be the most exciting, but the Englishman is consistent every week and the Light Blues simply have to ready that new contract.
Ross McCausland – 6
McCausland had a fairly quiet evening for his standards as he struggled to make use of some good possession in the final third. An important defensive intervention in the final 20 minutes to keep things level. By no means a bad afternoon for the Rangers youngster but supporters have seen him perform much better this season.
Todd Cantwell – 9
Once again deployed in the more attacking role and really flourished in the number 10 position just behind the centre-forward. Was denied on a couple of occasions by some superb saves but impressed with some magnificent passes. Worked hard out of possession as well to top off a magnificent display as the Englishman looks back to his best at Ibrox. Hopefully, he can bring that game to the big matches in the second half of the season.
Rabbi Matondo – 4
Had a few bright moments on the left flank, but was repeatedly wasteful both when taking aim at the goal or looking for teammates. Was substituted at half-time likely to moderate his minutes but a slightly disappointing showing from the Welsh international. He will have to improve if he wants to play regularly ahead of Oscar Cortes.
Cyriel Dessers – 7
It seems harsh to give the Nigerian a low grade when he scored two goals, but he really should have come away with six or seven considering how many chances he wasted. Two good finishes that deserve credit but can Rangers win a title with a striker who is so wasteful in front of goal?
Subs
Oscar Cortes – 7
Impressed with his direct style which caused plenty of problems on the left-flank. Could be a real find for the Gers in the future.
Fabio Silva – 7
Scott Wright – 6
Mohamed Diomande – N/A
Rangers miss their chance to climb above Celtic
The task for Rangers on Wednesday was to try and climb above Celtic. While they claimed all three points at Ibrox, they would have hoped to do more in the final third to be able to move above their Glasgow rivals with a bigger goal swing.
But the important thing was that the Light Blues avoided what could have been a potential banana skin and moved level with Brendan Rodgers’ side at the top of the table.
From now until the end of the season it could well be a shootout between the two Glasgow sides.
In other Rangers news, Andy Walker has slammed Connor Goldson for a “reckless” and “dangerous” display
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