“Sumptuous – 8”, “Not up for it – 5” – Rangers match ratings v Hamilton

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“Sumptuous – 8”, “Not up for it – 5” – Rangers match ratings v Hamilton


Rangers today worked a hard-earned 3 points in Hamilton, and regain joint top alongside Celtic.

Ibrox Noise takes you through our ratings for an ultimately productive afternoon at Brian Rice’s place:

McGregor:

Caught a bit for the opening goal, wasn’t sure whether to come or not, and that didn’t help, while otherwise fairly untested. 6

Tavernier:

Not a single cross nailed it all afternoon, but his mazy dribble opened up the backline for the opening goal. Defensively a bit off, with the conceded goal coming from his side, but did keep plugging away on the right with his usual mobility. 6

Goldson:

Some clearing headers which is his thing, but at sixes and sevens for the goal, and was lucky to escape damage after his lazy play nearly led to a Hamilton equaliser. Some good distribution from deep but wasted a golden chance to make it two with a wayward header. 6

Helander:

Still isn’t physical enough for the SPL, and was done by Davis more than once. Likewise Ogboe. Isn’t yet forming a trustworthy-looking defence in this division with Goldson yet, and wasted his own golden chance in the box too. So much better in Europe. 5

Barisic:

Not the first time we’ve described him as Rangers’ best defender this season, the Croat had an excellent shift today, an abundance of beautifully-crafted balls into the box that deserved better results. Little to nothing came in from his side defensively and he did everything he needed to. 8

Kamara:

Another scrappy display from the Finn who always gives it his all but sometimes looks a little too rough-and-tumble, and yet his excellent positioning and stretched touch stopped Miller putting a sure-fire equaliser away. Works hard, distribution could sometimes be better, but a good team mate. 7

Aribo:

Subdued from Aribo and substitution was no surprise. Wasn’t at the races for this one, with little influence on proceedings. 5

Jack:

Is this the SPL’s best player, period? He might not have the Hollywood glam of Morelos but boy is this guy hitting the heights. Magnificent goal, some fine distribution, and certainly there’s no doubt he shows up like this more often than not now. Played a huge role in the third goal. 9

Arfield:

Similarly subdued like Aribo, Arfield simply didn’t look up for it today. Lack of his usual movement and workrate and he looked beat. For the same reason Morelos didn’t start, we’re surprised Arfield did. 5

Kent:

His motor is getting going more and more – not a constant menace, but filled with energy and workrate. Some effective runs, lots of possession, and a good out on the left at pretty much all times. Oh, and his goals were sumptuous. 8

Defoe:

One to forget for Defoe. Just wasn’t his afternoon. 5

Subs:

Ojo:

Lively, frankly. Had a good cameo, and added the energy Arfield lacked. 6

Morelos:

Stupid little kick out showed his old petulance, but his assist for Kent’s second was quick-thinking and good team work. 7

Manager:

Gerrard didn’t make any major shocks with his selection, this XI appears, give or take, his personal choice going forward aside Morelos’ absence. The players were smooth till they conceded a goal, then they lost their shape and had to roll their sleeves up. Stevie won’t be pleased with some of the play, but he’ll be pleased with the response to losing a goal. Some of his selections were wrong, frankly – he rested Morelos after his international exploits in far-flung lands but put out Aribo and Arfield, both of whom just didn’t have the energy today. That said, Rangers never looked in serious danger of not winning this, even if there were some scares. 3 points were all that mattered on this surface and we can all be happy with that. 7

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6 COMMENTS

  1. Poor today but Gogic fouls all over the park. Denied a penalty and Morelos gets booked as soon as he comes on. Referee 0.

  2. Arfield has had about 2 weeks rest in the last 3 years. He is a high-energy player and needs to be looked after. Disappointed Stewart isn't starting v teams like hamilton, then put ojo on for the last 20 mins. Likewise Docherty would be the perfect battering-ram replacement for a jaded aribo. And wtf is the reason for King if not to rotate and give our internationalists a rest?

    • I've just made the same comments on another post. We can't keep flogging our best players. We've got a big squad for a reason and have a lot of crucial games coming up. Surely we can bring in players like Stewart, Docherty, King or even one of our promising kids. We may even benefit if any of those players come in and do the business, as Stewart did against Aberdeen, and give us more options in the future.

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