Raskin shines, Propper struggles again – Rangers players ratings v St Johnstone
Philippe Clement will be relieved after Rangers scraped a 1-0 win over St Johnstone via a Jason Holt own goal on Sunday.
James Tavernier arrived at the back post to fire home a deep cross from Ianis Hagi but the Saints midfielder could only turn the ball into the back of his own net in a desperate attempt at a clearance.
While still 11 points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish League table, the gap on Aberdeen has been closed to just six points before their game, and Clement will be hoping to gain some momentum at Ibrox now.
Ibrox News has rated each player out of 10.
Jack Butland – 6
Little for Butland to do in between the sticks but stayed focused and was called upon to make a couple of smart stops. Tough to rate a goalkeeper when he faces so few shots so an average of six will suffice.
James Tavernier – 7
One of his better performances in recent weeks. He linked up well with Vaclav Cerny, creating multiple chances down the right flank but sometimes left too much space for the Saints’ attack. Forced Jason Holt into an own goal.
John Souttar – 7
Led by example at the back, helping to cover for Propper and Tavernier. Always looks so comfortable in possession and rarely allows a forward to pass him in defence.
Robin Propper (Off for Leon Balogun 46′) – 3
Continues to struggle against any opposition when reinstated back into the starting XI, unable to pay Clement back for the blind trust in the centre-back. Taken off with an injury but should have been replaced either way.
Jefte (Off for Danilo 58′) – 7
One of Rangers’ brightest sparks on the pitch, in attack and defence, causing multiple problems for the Saints. Had a strike at goal well-saved and linked up smartly with the Gers attackers.
Connor Barron – 6
A decent display in the middle of the park for the 22-year-old but he was completely eclipsed by his midfield partner, Nico Raskin. Was cool, calm and collected but lost far too many duels to earn any higher rating.
Nico Raskin sets the example as Rangers defeat St Johnstone
Nico Raskin – 8
As stated above, Raskin was one of the most impressive players on the pitch – he was absolutely everywhere. Snapping into tackles, winning headers, and just doing the gritty work so that his teammates could create in the final third.
Vaclav Cerny (Off for Kieran Dowell 86′) – 5
Had a couple of chances to fire at goal and create chances but was far from his best at McDiarmid Park. Was crowded out going down the right flank, with Tavernier far more creative.
Ianis Hagi – 7
Superb performance for his first start back in the Scottish Premiership this season. He was one of the biggest creative outlets, even crossing into the box before Holt’s own goal. Was almost rewarded with a goal of his own.
Nedim Bajrami (Off for Ridvan Yilmaz 46′) – 4
Started the game really positively but became quieter and quieter after having two efforts saved in the first half. Should have hit the back of the net with at least one to give the Light Blues a lead. Not his best afternoon.
Hamza Igamane – 6
While the striker did not get his goal after keeping his spot in the starting XI, seeing Cyriel Dessers remaining on the bench, he never stopped running and was a nuisance to the Saints.
Substitutions
Leon Balogun (On for Propper 46′) – 6
Helped sure things up in the centre of defence. Few chances for the Saints to feed off once he replaced Propper.
Ridvan Yilmaz (On for Bajrami 46′) – N/A
Danilo (On for Jefte 58′) – N/A
Mohamed Diomande (On for Igamane 76′) – N/A
Kieran Dowell (On for Cerny 86′) – N/A
In other Rangers news, David Edgar bashed an Ibrox regular who the Gers cannot win titles with.
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