James Tavernier shines at Ibrox, 2/10 diabolical – Rangers player ratings vs Braga
James Tavernier was the only man to turn up as Rangers drew 1-1 to 10-man Braga in the Europa League at Ibrox on Thursday.
Rangers came into the match having lost their first four in the Europa League, but took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Tavernier’s well-placed penalty.
Rodrigo Zalazar was then sent off in the 60th minute for a headbutt on Nico Raskin, before Gabri Martinez equalised after capitalising on a defensive mistake.
Mohamed Diomande was sent off in the dying embers, and while Rangers were expected to lose to Braga, they ended up wasting a brilliant opportunity to claim a first Europa League win of the season.
The result leaves Rangers sat 33rd in the Europa League table, but failing to pick up all three points has dented their hopes of progression even further.
James Tavernier delivers fantastic performance against Braga
Tavernier has been criticised for his leadership and defensive issues throughout this season, but he produced one of his best performances of the year.
The 33-year-old was rock solid in defence, and a customary penalty capped off a fine display that secured a disappointing draw, in the end.
Tavernier has been excellent for Rangers since arriving in 2015 and has developed into a modern-day legend in Govan.
| Stat | Tavernier |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 40% |
| Pass accuracy | 80% |
| Touches | 63 |
Tavernier‘s 21st European goal against Braga moves him level with Ally McCoist in joint-second on the scoring charts, with Alfredo Morelos still out on his own on 29.
For a right-back, that’s a simply extraordinary achievement, and it’s a testament to his versatility.
Against Braga, he made 13 passes into the final third, and he developed a strong partnership with Djeidi Gassama out wide, with little success following.
The right-back was assured in all aspects, although the same couldn’t be said for Nasser Djiga.
Nasser Djiga drops another terrible display vs Braga
The 23-year-old has already been under intense scrutiny for his performances under Russell Martin, and they clearly haven’t improved with Rohl in charge.
Starting the match because both John Souttar and Derek Cornelius were injured, Djiga’s mistake for Braga’s equaliser ultimately cost the Bears two points.
As a ball came into the box, Djiga mistimed his header and flicked the ball straight into the path of Martinez, who made no mistake from 12 yards out.
| Stat | Djiga |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Pass accuracy | 90% |
| Ground duels won | 100% |
| Aerial duels won | 50% |
| Touches | 48 |
Djiga faced criticism from Ally McCoist following his dismal display in the 6-0 loss to Club Brugge on 27 August, and he has repeatedly been scrutinised for his defending in Govan.
Mark Guidi previously believed Djiga could cause problems if Rangers are serious about mounting a title challenge, and his performance against Braga was another example of his defensive lapses at this level.
The Burkina Faso international also missed one big chance and failed to make a single tackle during the match.
The Wolves loanee has not lived up to expectations, and a January return to Molineux won’t be out of the question.
Rangers player ratings
Jack Butland – 7
James Tavernier – 8
Emmanuel Fernandez – 5
Nasser Djiga – 2
Max Aarons – 6 (for Meghoma 89′)
Mohamed Diomande – 6
Connor Barron – 7 (for Miovski 77′)
Nico Raskin – 6
Danilo – 5 (for Aasgaard 72′)
Youssef Chermiti – 4 (for Antman 89′)
Djeidi Gassama – 7
Substitutes:
Thelo Aasgaard – 5 (72′)
Bojan Miovski – 5 (77′)
Oliver Antman – N/A (89′)
Jayden Meghoma – N/A (89′)
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