There were good spells for Rangers in the match against Aberdeen on Tuesday night. Sadly, when the players weren’t at their best, they seemed really poor. The ratings below reflect the 90 minutes rather than just the best of their night.
JAK ALNWICK – 6
Alnwick didn’t have many saves of note to make. He controlled things well in the box, but his distribution was a little off. One moment in the first half led to an Aberdeen chance as he threw a ball to Holt in a crowded part of the pitch. Obviously the conceded goal from a penalty is somewhat unlucky, but it was a mediocre night for the goalkeeper.
JAMES TAVERNIER – 6
Tavernier was one of the few players on the pitch with any composure in the first half. He dealt well with Mackay-Steven defensively. As captain, you would expect him to try and control his teammates when they’re losing their discipline, but he didn’t seem able to do that. In the second half, he was unlucky not to have a cross converted by Morelos, and helped the team be dominant in possession.
DAVID BATES – 6
Bates found himself in a real battle with Cosgrove. A few times, he let the ball bounce and would lose out as Cosgrove was stronger and bigger. Despite that, he defended pretty well and was vital at set pieces. Very unlucky to be yellow carded in the first half, which would have affected some of his decisions afterwards.
RUSSELL MARTIN – 6
Martin was also solid enough on the night. He’s not the best at winning headers, so Aberdeen were able to give him some issues that way. He read the game well, and was able to block shots and make clearances under pressure. In the second half, with not as much to do, he kept the ball moving quickly. One of his better displays for Rangers.
ANDY HALLIDAY – 6
Halliday was a little more comfortable defensively, but still caught out on occasion. One moment in particular in the first half was poor as both he and Murphy let an easy overlap get past them. What he did provide was a bite in the tackle and real desire to win. He still looked a little tentative getting forward, but was better in this regard as well.
ROSS McCRORIE – 7
McCrorie was a real driving force for the team in the second half. His goal epitomised that, with real desire to win the ball. In the first half, his bright start was overshadowed a little as the game became frantic. He looked a little off the pace trying to chase midfielders. It was testament to his mentality that he kept going and turned the game around. The header for the goal was well placed under pressure. He was unlucky with a few through balls. His availability for the ball was high thoughout.
GRAHAM DORRANS – 4
Dorrans only lasted 30 minutes of the match. He had started really well, creating a chance for Morelos and looking good in possession. Hopefully, he’ll be fit for pre-season and come back in better shape.
JASON HOLT – 5
A frustrating night for Holt. His passing was inconsistent, and he seemed to be a little scared of trying the attacking option. As the game was a physical one for large spells, he often got crowded out. The booking in the first half would also have made that difficult for him. Certainly put in lots of effort, but lacked quality.
DANIEL CANDEIAS – 6
The workrate and determination of Candeias was useful in the first half, but he was inconsistent on the ball. He had a couple of highlights though, being involved in a good move on 5 minutes, and pressing from one side of the pitch to the other to prevent easy attacks. In the second half, he was able to get more involved. That led to some good passes and his positioning stretching the game. His crossing was unsuccessful, sadly.
JAMIE MURPHY – 6
The first half largely passed Murphy by. With Rangers forced to defend for large spells, Murphy found it difficult to get out. Once he was moved to a central area in the second half, he improved hugely. One through ball to Morelos was unlucky not to lead to a goal. He constantly ran at the Aberdeen defence, creating gaps and seeing shots blocked. Much like McCrorie, he showed a good attitude to turn around a poor first half showing.
ALFREDO MORELOS – 7
Morelos gave the Aberdeen defence a really difficult match. Sadly, he couldn’t take one of the chances that fell to him. In the first half, the referee looked determined to pull him up for every possible incident. That led to the penalty, a decision which was clearly poor. Despite those frustrations, he fought throughout, and his play led to the Rangers goal. He should have scored himself, which held back his overall performance, but he was clearly a big reason why Rangers played well in the second half.
SEAN GOSS – 5
Goss came on for Dorrans after 31 minutes. The game was played at a high pace for large parts, and he never quite settled into it. His free kicks were poor, which was a surprise.
JASON CUMMINGS – 4
Cummings struggled in an individual sense to show any quality. His inclusion on the left allowed Murphy to move central, though, which improved the team.
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