Borna Barisic stinks in 1/10, 9/10 James Tavernier shines – Rangers player ratings v Kilmarnock
Rangers completed a dramatic 2-1 victory at Rugby Park as James Tavernier and Tom Lawrence scored to overturn Kilmarnock’s early opener on Wednesday 28 February.
Philippe Clement’s side suffered an early setback, with Danny Armstrong converting a penalty awarded against John Lundstram for a handball in the Gers box.
After a rather slow first half, Tavernier delivered a moment of inspiration as he fired home a free-kick, switching the momentum as Lawrence scored four minutes later.
Here, Ibrox News rates the Rangers players out of 10 for their performances against Kilmarnock.
James Tavernier to the rescue for Rangers
Jack Butland – 8
Was called upon on a couple of occasions, quickly rushing out of his penalty area to clear a poor Mohamed Diomande backpass. Never had a hope of saving Armstrong’s penalty but kept his side in the game with a couple of brilliant saves.
James Tavernier – 9
Tried his best to create chances from the right flank in the first half, sending multiple crosses into the Kilmarnock box for Fabio Silva and Diomande to attack. Fired home an incredible free-kick to kickstart a comeback.
Connor Goldson – 6
Picked up an unnecessary yellow card moments before half-time. He was been comfortable alongside Souttar in defence, with no chance of defending against Kilmarnock’s opener. There were two occasions for the centre-back to score from set pieces but failed to head home.
John Souttar – 7
Like Goldson, Souttar was unable to do anything to combat the Kilmarnock penalty. His passing was immaculate, as were his aerial duels, and helped secure all three points.
Borna Barisic (Off for Ridvan Yilmaz 45′) – 1
Struggled immensely against Armstrong, hooked by Clement at half-time after picking up a yellow card in the first half. Was obvious from very early on that Ridvan Yilmaz would be needed.
John Lundstram – 5
Was at fault for Kilmarnock’s early opener, penalised for a handball. Tried his best to make amends but was much quieter than his teammates in midfield.
Oscar Cortes continues to shine for Rangers
Tom Lawrence (Off for Nico Raskin) – 7
Scored a superb goal to help Rangers take the lead, just four minutes after Tavernier’s free-kick. Fans will hope his injury is not too serious after being replaced by Nico Raskin with 15 minutes remaining.
Ross McCausland (Off for Dujon Sterling 56′) – 4
Despite a bright start and dangerous darts into the box, the winger grew out of the game and had to be replaced after just 56 minutes. It was not his most influential performance in a Rangers shirt.
Mohamed Diomande – 7
Was a maestro in the middle of the park, winning every tackle possible and threatening the Kilmarnock goal with multiple shots. He needed to be more accurate but played his part in the victory.
Oscar Cortes (Off for Scott Wright 70′) – 8
One of the most dangerous players on the pitch, forcing Will Dennis into two saves after cutting in on his right foot. Like Lawrence, the Ibrox faithful will hope his injury is not too serious after some very impressive performances since joining in January.
Fabio Silva (Off for Cyriel Dessers 45′) – 3
The forward was ineffective for Rangers, touching the ball just 16 times, as per FotMob. Clement must have agreed, taking the Wolves loanee off at half-time and replacing him with Cyriel Dessers.
Substitutions
Ridvan Yilmaz (On for Barisic 45′) – 6
Far more effective than Barisic, dealing with the Kilmarnock wingers better and offering more going forward.
Cyriel Dessers (On for Silva 45′) – 6
Dessers could have, and probably should have, scored a Rangers third after flicking a cross against the crossbar. Made a much bigger impact in the attacking half.
Dujon Sterling (On for McCausland 56′) – 6
Helped secure the midfield as Kilmarnock looked to find an equaliser.
Scott Wright (On for Cortes 70′) – N/A
Nico Raskin (On for Lawrence 76′) – N/A
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has made a new Ibrox title admission in an “inconsistent” Celtic verdict
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