Leon King honking as Todd Cantwell shines – Rangers player ratings in 5-2 win v Dundee
Rangers kept their faint glimmer of hope alight against Dundee tonight, coming from two goals down to claim a 5-2 win in their final league match at Ibrox this season.
The atmosphere at Ibrox was toxic during the first half as the Gers went 2-0 down, before Ross McCausland nicked one back before the break.
The second half belonged to the Gers, as Cyriel Dessers equalised, man-of-the-match Todd Cantwell swung them in front, and substitute Scott Wright added a late brace to wrap it up.
Here, Ibrox News rates the Rangers players out of 10 for their performances against Dundee.
Rangers recover after horrific start
Jack Butland – 6
Recovered from a dodgy moment in the early stages but make a strong save shortly before the opener, let down by those in front of him in the first half, but looked safe in the second when called upon. You wonder whether this could be his last game at Ibrox.
James Tavernier – 5
Both goals in the first half came down his side, for which he must share the blame. Did however always look to contribute in attack, and can claim an assist for Cantwell’s strike.
Leon King – 4 (off for Cole McKinnon 75′)
Struggled with the pace of the first half and the movement of the Dundee attack. Was caught on his heels for a shot saved by Butland just before the opener, and lost McGhee two minutes later – was punished this time. Can be cut some slack for a rare defensive pairing alongside Davies, and did look more assured in the second half.
Ben Davies – 5
Steady at the back in an unfamiliar partnership with King, was not at his best and did not do enough like his teammates in the first half, but a game without any major errors.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 6 (off for Robbie Fraser 61′)
Got involved going forward, always keen to run infield and help the midfielders out in an attempt to outnumber Dundee. Should have helped McCausland better for the second goal as Dodgson got down the left to cross too easily, but a lively return to fitness before being withdrawn on the hour mark.
McCausland excellent going forward and suspect at the back, Cantwell superb in second half
Mohammed Diomande (off for Scott Wright 82′) – 5
Was higher up the pitch in the first half than the second – rather strangely given the momentum of the game – and saw plenty of the ball, but was too slow to get to his opposite number at times as Dundee ventured forward.
Nicolas Raskin – 5
Poor marking for the second goal, left Portales in far too much space to flick home. Had looked decent early on going forward with a good pass through the lines to Dessers, was his tidy self in the second half under less pressure.
Ross McCausland – 7
Scored a crucial goal late in the first half after being denied at 0-0 with a strong save, but was nowhere near good enough to stop the cross from Dodgson for the opening goal. Always looked tenacious and won a good recovery after a slip in the second half, then set up Wright for the fifth. Can be coached and moulded into a top player.
Todd Cantwell – 9
Best player on the pitch by a distance, with a point to prove after missing the Old Firm and everything went through him. Pinpoint ball in for Dessers’ equaliser, was a consistent thorn in Dundee’s side with his quality, and then fortuitously swung in the third goal to put the Gers in front. Was always a driving force, winning several fouls.
Fabio Silva (off for Kemar Roofe) – 6
A naturally confident player, never shied away and always showed for the ball despite some struggles in Glasgow. Hit the bar with the game goalless after beating two defenders, and threatened ‘keeper McCracken in the second half as Rangers looked to wrap up the game.
Cyriel Dessers (off for Kieran Dowell 82′) – 6
Headed a vital equaliser early in the second half, finding space in front of goal to turn in Cantwell’s cross. A superb save from McCracken to deny him the Light Blues’ fourth followed by a golden chance missed illustrate how many more goals Dessers could have this campaign.
Substitutes
Robbie Fraser (on for Ridvan Yilmaz 61′) – 5
A special night for the league debutant. Wasn’t overly involved but kept things ticking, did what Clement asked.
Cole McKinnon (on for Leon King 75′) – 5
A first Rangers appearance since March, looked comfortable after coming on.
Kieran Dowell (on for Cyriel Dessers 82′) – 6
Some nice touches in build-up for Rangers, including a nice flick. Set up fellow substitute Wright’s goal with a great impact. Came on to use his experience to keep hold of the lead.
Scott Wright (on for Mohammed Diomande 82′) – 7
Came on in the hope of holding the ball up in attacking positions for the Gers, and ended up scoring twice. Set up by fellow sub Dowell for the first, and McCausland for the second after a good move. Talk about an impact sub.
Kemar Roofe (on for Fabio Silva 82′) – 5
Came on late as part of the triple change by Clement. Used his experience to help see out the points.
In other Rangers news, Derek Ferguson addresses a ‘mystery’ surrounding one Gers player.
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