“Wrong guy in the wrong team?” – Rangers v UFA ratings

10 matches unbeaten (13 including the friendlies) under Steven Gerrard and it is clearly going even better than even the most optimistic believer would have conceived.

Another fine win last night, even if the score should have been more convincing and perhaps the team played a little within itself. Here’s some Ibrox Noise ratings for you to wildly disagree with:

Allan McGregor:

A massive save near the end and a few pretty solid ones, our goalie wasn’t called into an especially abundant amount of work, but what he did he did with his usual assurance. 8

James Tavernier:

Few mistakes this time, Tavernier was more like his recent self with good attacking and solid defending. UFA were limited down his side significantly. 7

Connor Goldson:

Just strolls through matches like they’re not there. Another imperious night for a player who is easily top half of the EPL level. Add his goal and nearly stunning assist for Morelos and there’s little to really fault. 9

Nikola Katic:

The gritty one, takes a tonne of work for the team and never gives attackers an inch. He’s such a hard worker, and while he continues to learn and still makes the odd mistake (he’s only 21!), he is on course to becoming an international for his country. 8

Jon Flanagan:

Really doesn’t like going forward this lad, but worked hard at the rear. Like Tavernier, he stopped most attacks on his side and while nothing flashy, it was very effective. 7

Ryan Jack:

Maybe not quite as dominant a display as we’ve been accustomed to seeing recently, but what he did he did well. Did look slightly like he was one inch off full match sharpness following his return from concussion. But still very good. 7

Scott Arfield:

Another busy and experienced display from Arfield. He’s a consistent, stable and reliable performer who knows how to lead those around him and uses the ball well. 7

Ovie Ejaria:

This was his stand out display – looks like he is growing in confidence and was willing to try things, beat men, and use the ball well. It’s the best he’s done as a Ranger. 8

Ryan Kent:

We still to this day remain unconvinced he’s a better option than Glenn Middleton, and we cannot shake that feeling he is the wrong guy in the wrong team, even if he was far from hopeless. He’s still not put in one truly great display. Prove us wrong, Ryan. 6

Daniel Candeias:

A hard working show but played more centrally than we’d have liked at times. Better used on the flank. 6

Alfredo Morelos:

Ok, so he should absolutely have scored, but otherwise it was a very fine display from a player who has every excuse to tools down in light of all the interest in him. The fact he remains hard working is a testament to his improving maturity and attitude. 8

Subs:

The Bold Kyle:

What an eventful cameo! Booked rightly for an overzealous boot (unintentional), Lafferty showed in only 15-20 minutes his improved touch, his desire, and his composure since he left. Still as crazy as a brush, but a far better player for it. 7

Glenn Middleton:

Didn’t get much to do or time to impress, but was decent enough. 6

Steven Gerrard:

Just keeps getting it right every single match. Pundits are amazed at the start he’s had as a manager, and that extends to the fans. Keep this up and we’ll struggle to keep him, unfortunately, but let’s hope he brings us 55 at least before he moves onto his Anfield destiny. 10

No denying this was a decent result, but there was a definite feeling of playing within ourselves, as if trying to save a little for upcoming encounters. The scoreline should have been more convincing. The fact that was the case yet we remained comfortable gives a staggering indication of how far this club has come in the two+ months under Gerrard.