“An empty jersey – 5” – Rangers player ratings v Livi

After Rangers scraped their way to an unconvincing 3-1 win over plucky Livi, Ibrox Noise brings you player ratings for a group of players who at least got the three points.

McGregor:

A total spectator in the first half, Livi came to life in the second and he had a few big saves to make. A clean and impressive display where he did what he needed to do. 7

Tavernier:

Bright down the right and a little more like his old self but still not as impressive – did ‘score’ the opening goal and got on the ball a tonne (usually does) but can still play way better than this. 6

Goldson:

Got some criticism pre-match that he’s needing dropped, and while he wasn’t horrible today, he continues to struggle to be the kind of defender Rangers need. At one point after pressing on Dykes for 5 seconds, Katic took over and got the ball clear inside a second. That’s the difference. Goldson just doesn’t seem physical or urgent enough. 6

Katic:

One slightly weak moment which in fairness Goldson bailed HIM out for in the second half, this was an otherwise solid performance again from Katic, even if ultimately he didn’t have a huge amount to do. 7

Halliday:

Rarely lets the side down and this was another example – an industrious display from Halliday, didn’t shirk tackles and worked hard. Unsung hero at times this lad. 7

Davis:

Just having a bit of a lull in form is Davis – hasn’t been shining lately and this was another quiet display. One or two gorgeous passes yes, but overall not as involved, and not doing as much when he is. 6

Aribo:

Despite his impressive display for Nigeria, he did a Barisic and failed to convert it into a performance at Ibrox. Coming to expect this from him – has a few brief glimpses of quality each match, but never stands out. Looking like a very average player if this continues. And yes, we know we asked for him to be given time, but there’s not even a hint of improvement yet and he still isn’t looking interested. Did flick on well for the third goal though. 6

Arfield:

Suffering a bit of a lull like Davis, Arfield had another quiet performance – he just hasn’t been himself this season, and his slow form cost a penalty too. Probably needs benched now. 5

Ojo:

My this guy really is an average player. Wins a foul or two, but he’s like a cheap and poverty-stricken man’s Arjen Robben with that repeated and predictable cut in from the right and shot with left foot. Did provide an admittedly fine assist for Barker, and it was probably his best moment in the league as a Rangers player. If he’d do more of that we’d rate him way higher, as it is he’s mostly an empty jersey. 5

Morelos:

Lively play from Morelos, fair claim to the MOTM award given him by the sponsors, and he caused a lot of mischief today. Had no football for two weeks so he was raring to go. And took his goal well. 7

Kent:

Our MOTM, Kent was absolutely fantastic – caused utter havoc for the 43 minutes and looked just like the player we paid £7.5M for. A class above the rest today, but beyond devastated by the injury. 8

Subs:

Barker:

Looked slow to get going, understandable given he psychologically did not expect such a big cameo, but looked solid once he did, and tried to cause some damage. And look his goal really well. He’ll be pleased with the impression he made. 6

King:

In fairness to him despite being a DM by trade he appears to being getting played as an AM and he does cause a few problems there. Still can’t really fathom why he’s at Ibrox but hey ho. 6

Defoe:

Not sure he touched the ball in truth. N/A

Manager:

Steven Gerrard compensated for Ryan Jack’s loss by starting Arfield in his slot – in theory that’s a valid idea, but it required a complete overhaul to the system, and it didn’t get one. Team looked at 6’s and 7’s in this one, and the system didn’t work till deep into the second half and the second goal. Even then the side looked disjointed and passes went astray most of the time. Davis particularly didn’t look up to speed with what was expected of him, and Gerrard’s call to start Kent was badly misguided. Two poor outings from the manager in a row, even though this one yielded a win. 4