Rangers managed a massive three points at Ibrox tonight as Philippe Clement’s men worked their way to a big win in Group C.
Ibrox Noise rates the players on a big night in Govan:
Butland:
He deserves his song. Another big save or two, and despite a moment of bad comms with James Tavernier, he did nothing wrong. Big claim towards the end to relieve pressure. 8
Tavernier:
Defensively mostly at it, although marginally exposed in the first half then a bit more in the second, beaten twice by some good work from Prague on their left. Passing wasn’t good enough, crossing was dire, but kept discipline to stay mostly in his own half. 6
Goldson:
Lots of clearances but not imposing enough – mind you that’s a long-standing issue with him. No major gaffes unlike in Prague, but with just 47 touches he hardly got involved. Passing was ok, but a fairly modest night. Sleeping at the goal and picked up a dumbass yellow card and will miss the next one, which is dire because we will have no one else to call upon unless Souttar makes a magical recovery. 6
Davies:
Hilariously Rangers’ best defender on the ground by a distance, with 4 tackles and 4 clearances, winning in the air 3 times too. He actually had a solid game but he remains unseen – his passing was solid. 7
Barisic:
He was actually better than he seemed, even if he still appears physically weak. Prague didn’t get a lot of joy down his side, and he had a better match than he did v Dundee. Offered zero as an attacking threat though. 7
Lundstram:
Barely touched the ball, passing was poor for his standards and it’s the worst he’s played for weeks. Just when he was looking back to his best form, this one was sadly back to his recent old. No defensive contribution worth speaking about. 5
Jack:
Here’s, at last, an outfield player who actually had an obviously good match. Tried to make things happen, was operating as an AM mostly, and was covering a lot of grass. Even stuck his foot in as much as he could too. 7
Cantwell:
Let’s not oversell this, he was not stellar, we didn’t see any of those lovely touches he used to have in his locker, but he was very good and much better than we’ve seen for months. His goal was top notch, and he was causing a lot of danger on his side. Lots of shots in and on target. Still looks a little rusty though and one or two decisions weren’t the best. 8
Sima:
Lots of good movement in the first half and caused a fair bit of danger, but his passing was generally lacking and he fell short at the final product. He’s on a dry run of assists/goals but he’s offering other things instead. 7
Lammers:
Once again the target of so many fans’ ire, but there’s a reason Clement likes this guy, and his stats speak for themselves. 3 tackles, an interception, a blocked shot, 2 key passes and a dribble while winning a couple in the air. Lammers is one of these players who basically looks rubbish whenever you actually see him, but he’s doing the unsung work which helps those around him in all areas. He’s a great team player and Clement recognises that. 7
Danilo:
His goal was marvellous, he hit the post as well, and nailed an assist. He couldn’t have done much more and is really looking every inch the £6M striker Michael Beale invested in. MOTM by a mile. 9
Subs:
Dessers:
Sorry guys, he put in a shift and held the ball up well. Did his part. 6
McAusland:
Did his part too – one very nice key pass in particular was popular. Took his chance. 6
Rest just helped to play time out.
Manager:
Clement went with the team we predicted, based on the fact there was no one else, and that first half made him look like Pep Guardiola. Stunning display. But for the first time as boss, the team talk didn’t do its job and the side was passive, tired, and stood off far too much in the second 45 as Sparta grew into the match. If it had finished 2-2 it would have been accurate. Clement will not be happy with that second 45, but it’s still a learning curve. But a stunning 3 points we’re all thrilled with. 7