“Needs a rest – 5” – Rangers players rated v St Johnstone

This one was all about the win. Gio put out a team more than capable of winning, and while the fare on offer was some of the worst we’ve seen this season, the 3 points were secured.

Let’s face it, St Johnstone are literally awful, the worst team in the country these days, and Rangers’ display against them saw just one goal, an admittedly fine goal, but just the one.

Ibrox Noise gives our ratings on a winning night, if not an inspired one.

McGregor:

No threat on him aside one shot, McGregor still managed to look shaky, and an early chance saw him come then retreat, only for the shot to be wild. He did the basics, but it was anything but impressive. 6

Tavernier:

A good defensive display, he contributed solidly as he has done since Gio took over, but as an attacking force was non-existent. He did enough. 6

Goldson:

An offside goal aside, his night was ok. Not overly exposed, but did clear his lines a lot. Managed a lot of decent long balls. 6

Balogun:

Did what he had to, and the defence did look a bit more reliable for it. 6

Bassey:

Had a lot of the ball, and went down the left a lot, taking a lot of throw ins while he was at it. Managed more crosses than Tav, but was clearly instructed to attack. Went for a wild shot. He was decent in truth. 7

Kamara:

Goal aside, he did nothing of note whatsoever. Basically kind of invisible. 6

Lundstram:

A lower passing level than usual for Lunny, not aided by that horror pitch, but was a workhorse for defensive duty in the middle. Really grafted. 7

Kent:

Not his night. Lacking an edge, and unable to get into a groove. Again, probably not helped by a bumpy surface. 6

Aribo:

One lovely lofted ball to Kent aside, this was another invisible show from the out-of-form Nigerian. Didn’t look like he was working terribly hard either, too much walking and static movement from him. 5

Arfield:

Unlucky with one good shot, but Arfield needs a rest, badly, and isn’t able to exert himself on matches right now. The fewest touches in a Rangers shirt is drastically unlike him. 5

Morelos:

Worked hard as nails to make things happen, gorgeous assist for Kamara’s goal, and nearly got one himself. Was by a mile the best player in the shirt. 8

No subs.

Manager:

Gio put out a better lineup than the mess v Motherwell, and it got the win. That was its remit. But while the pitch was a factor, the quality of play and the effort in there was simply awol, and it resembled earlier season Steven Gerrard and a side that didn’t care. Real malaise right now. But the points is what mattered. As for the lack of subs, best guess is he didn’t want to risk anyone else on that rotten surface. 7