“Not an especially great one – 6”, “Stellar – 10” – Rangers ratings v Progres

Rangers partially exorcised their 2017 demon tonight with a fairly polished if imperfect display over Luxembourg’s Progres.

Ibrox Noise gives you a man-by-man rating of who shone and who didn’t.

McGregor:

Pulled off big saves on a night where he wouldn’t have thought he needed to. He’s an insurance policy when the men in front of him occasionally go AWOL. Fine display. 8

Tavernier:

Lively first 30 minutes with tonnes of attacking and early crossing, but he faded noticeably as the match wore on (uncharacteristic – symptom of losing Candeias?) and his penalty miss was unfortunate but weak. Defensive not overly tested but did do well the times he was. 6

Goldson:

One of these days Connor Goldson will stand out – this was another one where he was only noticeable for how wide right he played, and how often he went up the pitch. A very strange performance and position for the stopper, and not an especially great one. 6

Edmundson:

A definite contender for MOTM, this was the ex-Oldham man announcing himself. Made one or two tiny errors but overall a truly immaculate display for the 21-year old who may just have asserted himself as a first pick with this one. Beginning to suspect he and Helander, if the latter settles in, could just be the duo going forward. 9

Halliday:

Just keeps on delivering consistently and plays every match like he means it. His place has been under threat since promotion but guess what; he’s going nowhere. Another strong and purposeful showing. 8

Davis:

Made two errors – one a lazy pass which got cut out, another bigger one which nearly cost a goal – thought his concentration would be beyond that. Otherwise a fine display at the standard we are now taking for granted from him. 8

Jack:

Hungry and another one who suspects his place is at threat – he’s not the best player we have, but he plays like he believes he has value and he wants to show it. Good work going forward and was absolutely horrified at Morelos for more or less stealing his gilt-edge chance at a goal. 8

Aribo:

We thought he’d announced himself against Marseille, but we were dead wrong. Yes, he got a little haphazard in the second half and was silly to get the booking, but this was overall a display of real brilliance which still appears to be in first gear. This was a stroll to him, and while tougher challenges are to come, he was quite magnificent. His goal was absolutely stellar. 10

Ojo:

If it wasn’t for his admittedly fine strike, this would have been another rubbish display from Ojo, who’s starting to undo all the promise he showed in the early friendlies. He has gone dramatically from dangerous to damp squib, and still plays the game for himself too much. Not liking what we’re seeing from him right now. 6 (for the goal)

Morelos:

With his best mate gone, he still managed to show up. He wasn’t stellar, but he was a menace and worked hard for the team – some of his trademark selfishness in the box, but overall, despite no goal, he did fairly well. Pity he looked so petulant again about being subbed. 7

Arfield:

Regaining his split form, Arfield works like a tireless dog and has the quality to back it up. He just keeps on delivering for Rangers and he’s an immense leader. 8

Subs:

Jones:

Excellent from Jones in his danger levels and winning a penalty – he can be happy with what he did when he came on. 7

Defoe:

Another fine cameo from Defoe, might even have nicked a goal. 6

Stewart:

Didn’t really make much impact.

Manager:

Gerrard put out a decent team if not our best possible one, and while it performed well enough for him, he won’t be able to escape the nagging feeling it played within itself tonight. There weren’t enough clear chances, and Progres’s number one had next to no saves to actually make. 2-0 wasn’t convincing enough overall and while happy to have won, Stevie will feel like there could have been more from his men. 7