“It’s a team game – 5” – Rangers’ ratings v Blackburn

Rangers’ first non-win of pre-season has now been and gone, after a fairly average performance against Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn. Here’s some Ibrox Noise ratings after what was ultimately a slightly underwhelming display this afternoon:

McGregor:

Called into action more than he would have expected, McGregor was alert to danger and made one or two telling interceptions. Solid. 7

Tavernier:

The in-demand RB was outstanding going forward, with some excellent deliveries and appearing to thrive on all the speculation about him – he did, however, lack some concentration at the back now and then and was exposed quite a few times. 7

Katic:

Done for pace by Graham several times, but not helped by that continued lack of understanding with Edmundson. Twice they’ve partnered and twice they’ve looked completely at odds with each other. 6

Edmundson:

Despite that hopeless duo with Katic, Edmundson himself individually had a decent game – has a reasonable reading of the flow of the game, and seems to understand when to go in and when not to. 7

Barisic:

Tidy. Exposed like Tavernier down his side, but defended otherwise well and supported attack comfortably enough with a few inside balls and links. 7

Davis:

By some distance Rangers’ best player bar one – his performance was as reliable as we’ve now come to expect, and he was a class above many other performers in blue today. 8

Jack:

Not quite sure why he got MOTM – didn’t really stand out, didn’t really do much of note at all in truth. 6

Arfield:

Getting back to fitness but even a rusty Arfield still does damage. Surprisingly bright and cohesive in midfield and supported attack with his usual gusto. 7

Ojo:

Just starting to grate now. He did this against Marseille, a subpar display with too much selfishness, and frankly that was his game today too. He has a tonne of talent, and we love his effectiveness when he’s hitting the bullseye, but when he isn’t, he’s selfish and wasteful. It’s a team game, Sheyi. 5

Defoe:

Worked hard within his limitations and linked well with Arfield and Jones especially – took his goal great and can be happy with his contribution. 7

Jones:

His first assist for Rangers and his brightest outing yet, the NI lad looked really good today – full of intent, danger and purpose. He is surely only going to get better. 9

Notable subs:


Murphy: 7 bright and involved.
Kamara: 5 Completely cold and a huge part of the messy conceded goal.

Manager:

Gerrard put out a strong team but it really lacked intensity from the word go. It got a fair bit of the ball but the pressing and pace from previous games didn’t seem to be there and Blackburn looked more dangerous than perhaps they really were. They used balls in behind way too much, and while Rangers got wise to it eventually, it was a symptom of a lack of focus from the players who didn’t seem completely up for it for the most part. It lost its way even more after the raft of subs. This wasn’t a stinker of a match, but the manager will not want this level repeated on Thursday. 6