Quite simply extraordinary. Steven Gerrard’s Rangers destroyed Hamilton in one of the SPL’s biggest-ever if not the biggest drubbing in history, and we’ll pointlessly take you through our ratings for a thoroughly satisfying afternoon in Govan.
McLaughlin:
N/A. Might as well have been in a deckchair.
Tavernier:
What can we say – he’s starting to look every inch as good as Barisic these days, and his game has transcended new levels even he probably didn’t think he could hit. A little greedy stealing Defoe’s penalty, but on his game right now can we blame him? 10
Goldson:
His lob early on demonstrated Hamilton were not sitting in at all, which we found stunning, and he nearly scored too. A comfortable afternoon for October’s player of the month. 8
Balogun:
Couple of good tackles but a slightly hairy moment early on too. Still quite a unit of a player and had an easy afternoon overall. 8
Barisic:
A typical Borna display, but hooked early and we’re not sure why. Looked decent enough if maybe not his best ever. 7
Jack:
Controlled midfield on his own, looking right back to his excellent best. Fitness is back, hunger, and he’s much tighter too. Big improvement. 9
Arfield:
Energetic as always, got himself a goal, and worked as hard as he usually does. Covered a lot of grass. 8
Aribo:
Complete fluke for both goals with deflections putting them in, but the end result is all that matters. Still regaining match fitness but looking better as he goes. 8
Kent:
Still not quite at his spunky best but got himself an assist. Doesn’t look quite as confident as normal and he’s wasteful with his shooting. But his early run from Goldson’s lob was cracking. Keeps on working. 7
Roofe:
Strong, quick, goal-laden, Roofe is banging on the door to start more. We like this guy – he’s got a rigid steel about him and he’s reliable. 8
Defoe:
Wasn’t really that involved in truth, and didn’t get many good chances, which is surprising given the score. But won a penalty and was a bit of a nuisance. 7
Subs:
Zungu:
Well what a fine start from the big SA lad. Composed on the ball, used space well, and already looks a fantastic player. Of course Rangers were already cruising in this one but he does look the part. 8
Bassey:
Tubthumping as always and more involved than Barisic probably was – good running and looks hungry all the time. 8
Barker:
He’ll be delighted he got a fine goal, and he’s done his chances some good. He’s looking brighter than Kent tbh. 8
Manager:
Stevie rang the chances and well let’s just say it worked. No need to discuss it further. 10
McLaughlin – no saves to make but looked sharp cutting things out and immediately getting us going again. Helped set the tone from the back.
Barasic – no surprise to see him subbed. I thought Bassey would’ve started.
Aribo – I think this guy is going to be an outstanding player in a big league.
Defoe – “wasn’t really that involved”. Look again at his contribution. Won ball and played fantastic reverse pass to Kent for his assist at first goal. Linked up play and played in Tavernier for his cross that led to Aribo’s second goal. Set up Barker for his goal. Won the penalty.
Barker – this is his problem. He’s got talent and can show it when the pressure is off. Had it been 0-0 he would’ve disappeared. Jersey is too heavy for him.
Patterson – surely we could’ve given him 20 minutes.
Roofe/Defoe/Kent – the front 3 clicked for the first time in months. Clever runs, nice touches, more mobile, playing for the team. We looked dangerous every time we went forward. There is a way without Morelos.
I really enjoyed this performance not just because of the many excellent goals and to be honest the poor opposition , but becuase we looked like a complete team across the field bench and management . I really believe we are destined for 55 . I watched a little of the rotten mob and they still looked ragged at the back Motherwell didn’t lay a glove on them . SG is moving it in the right direction both at home and Europe . Onwards 55
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