Austin Benson rates our players from an important win but a poor performance.
Rangers travelled to Perth in search of their first Premiership away victory since December 12 th 2021, as
it was relegation battlers St Johnstone who would host Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s side on a cold
Wednesday night.
Expectations of ‘Gers fans have been tested lately, with Rangers performing poorly in recent
Premiership games, and this has seen pressure build on Van Bronckhorst for the first time in his Rangers
tenure. Particularly, against Motherwell, fans’ frustrations were made clear as boos rang out from the
Ibrox stands at full-time.
This recent form has seen Celtic extend their gap at the top of the table to three points, and as
Premiership games pre-split are wearing thin, every game should be seen as a must-win for Rangers.
Allan McGregor – 5.6 (6)
Allan McGregor had a quiet game in goal for Rangers, which can’t be said for some of his recent
appearances. While fans’ confidence in him is at an all-time low since his return to Ibrox, his clean sheet
against St Johnstone will likely not be the catalyst for changing anyone’s opinions of his goalkeeping
ability. Having to make only one save all night, no one can really say he was tested.
James Tavernier – 6.5 (6)
James Tavernier’s performance did not exceed any expectations, however that would not matter. With
his leadership capabilities being questioned recently, an incident-free game for him and his defensive
line will hopefully put concerns at ease for supporters as well as himself. Tavernier’s crossing from
corners left something to be desired, however his passing was progressive throughout.
Connor Goldson – 6.4 (6)
Connor Goldson’s passing was positive from the beginning, as his delivery from deep would reach
Morelos who flicked it expertly over the St Johnstone back line to find Glen Kamara who finished with
composure to see Rangers take the lead within three minutes. Following that, his passing became far
less progressive, with Goldson electing to pass from side to side. His aerial duel win rate of 60% capped
a commanding display at centre-half, which Connor Goldson has been sorely in need of.
Leon Balogun – 7.2 (7)
Leon Balogun is Rangers’ defensive utility man, having played in every position across a back four whilst
wearing the royal blue. His versatility would once again be put to effective use, as Balogun partnered
Goldson in his first ‘Gers start since early February. With a ground duel win rate of 75%, Leon will hope
to be a consistent centre-half option for Giovanni Van Bronckhorst as the split nears.
Calvin Bassey – 6.3 (6)
Calvin Bassey’s pace was once again his greatest asset, as his forward runs down the left flank would
find him in advantageous positions on the edge of St Johnstone’s box. Bassey earned a booking as he
caught St Johnstone defender James Brown late.
John Lundstram – 6.5 (6)
John Lundstram continued in a similar vein to his last five appearances, with his composure and passing
earning plenty of plaudits. John completed 56 passes against St Johnstone: the most in the match. Also,
with a 100% tackle win and a 67% aerial duel win rate, Lundstram added steel to our midfield.
Glen Kamara – 7.9 (8)
Glen Kamara would run through following Morelos’ flick through to tap-in confidently past Elliot Parish
to send us into the lead early on. Kamara would not let his standards dip after scoring, spraying passes
across either wing with ease and rarely losing possession. Glen’s passing accuracy of 83% was the
second highest for Rangers, which is impressive for someone who has recently returned to starting
consistently.
Scott Arfield – 6.2 (6)
Scott Arfield would have the least touches (40) of any Rangers player during the match, which he would
play 90 minutes in. Skied his shot after Morelos played him through, and after that offered little more in
attacking terms. Scott Arfield continues to start in Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s team, while his
performances have not justified that choice. Making no substitutions against St Johnstone, Van
Bronckhorst played a risky game, while fans were calling for Arfield to be subbed.
Joe Aribo – 7.5 (7)
Joe Aribo’s hold-up play and ability to get a pass off under pressure was effective, and his link-ups with
Ryan Kent produced plenty of positives in attack.
Ryan Kent – 7.4 (7)
Ryan Kent would stay like glue to the left wing, using his footwork and pace to dance past the St
Johnstone defence. Kent would have the highest passing accuracy for Rangers, with him finding his
teammates 91% of the time.
Alfredo Morelos – 8.5 (9)
Alfredo Morelos set-up Glen Kamara’s goal with a phenomenal flick over the St Johnstone defence that
took caught them all out. Throughout the match, Morelos would be the architect of many of Rangers’
attacks, using his flair and movement to craft chances from almost nothing. Unlucky not to have scored
himself after hitting the post from a rebound.
