“Earned his corn today – 8” – Rangers rated v St Johnstone

A tonne to talk about after that one, so we’ll get straight in with the scores.

McLaughlin:

A little rusty, and might have conceded more than a yellow card. Did what was mostly needed but McCrorie was much better v Celtic. 6

Tavernier:

Had a nightmare first 15 minutes with two horrific attempts at crosses, falling, then conceding possession, but he did improve and was responsible for saving one goal and scoring another. And what a goal it was. He can’t be unhappy. 7

Balogun:

Fairly ok on his own terms but spent most of his time just passing the ball to Tav. Was exposed a few times in the second half but held it together enough. Had zero understanding with Helander. 6

Helander:

Sadly the abuse he took in the Swedish press for the Greece match seems to have spilled over, and he was all over the place. No understanding with Balogun, struggled for pace/reading, was at fault for Saints’ goal, and then suffered what looks a nasty injury. Devoid of any confidence in this one. 4

Bassey:

Was not shy to get stuck in and managed a few crosses too. Slipped (like one or two others) but had a mostly decent afternoon. 6

Davis:

Again more used defensively, Davo is filling in the Jack slack by covering as much as he can. Well, Kamara isn’t bothering his *rse to so someone must. Davis was strong and led well. 7

Kamara:

Has looked distracted for weeks and frankly months now. Isn’t playing badly, but isn’t really in matches. Has nice moments here and there but just lacks impact these days. This was the same again. 6

Aribo:

Once again Rangers’ most obvious mid, Aribo just keeps on trying, and he was the most inventive thing we had. It wasn’t the best he’s been but he was still head and shoulders above others. 7

Kent:

Hooked in the second half, Kent had little overall successful impact, but despite losing the ball a lot, he provided the winning assist and he still keeps on plugging away. Had more of the ball than anyone else in attack. His refusal to give in is admirable. 7

Roofe:

Actually lively again from Roofe, and the equalising pen not to mention squaring up to someone – frankly that’s the kind of heart we want to see. A bit of gruff. He is very dynamic and had a strong day for the Famous. 7

Morelos:

It’s probably not unfair to say this was close to the worst Morelos has played for months and months. Quiet, subdued, and barely in the match, this was the first post-window match for the Colombian and he couldn’t look less interested. 4

Subs:

Sakala:

Added energy to the front line missing from Morelos.

Simpson:

Did what he needed to do.

Lundstram:

Negligible impact.

Manager:

Stevie shocked us all with no Connor Goldson (he’s isolating) but picked a decent team nevertheless. Problem was a complete lack of guts effort and heart till the second half. The boss won’t be happy with the attitude for too long in this one, but the result was just reward for a good HT team talk which turned things around. He earned his corn today. 8