Rangers came from behind in Michael Beale‘s first game in charge on Thursday night, as the Ibrox crowd were treated to a five-goal thriller that ended with an Alfredo Morelos winner in the second half – and here are our player ratings:
The Gers went 1-0 down to Ibrox-linked Ryan Porteous, before Fashion Sakala equalised. Kevin Nisbet made it 2-1 seconds later, only for Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos to claw it back in the second 45 and earn all three points.
Rangers player ratings in Michael Beale’s first game in charge:
Allan McGregor – 6
While he could do little about the goals, McGregor looks uncomfortable with his feet. Not particularly new to Rangers fans, but passes were misplaced. Good save with his feet in the first 45, but an area Rangers need to strengthen.
James Tavernier – 5
Woeful first half and arguably, at fault for the first goal – the closest to Porteous but screaming at everyone else. But improved in the second half and was involved in both goals that saw Rangers secure a narrow 3-2 win.
John Lundstram – 3
Not a centre-back. Bizarre that Rangers and Beale persevered with him in the middle of the defence when they had Ben Davies on the bench. Struggled in the air. His cross-field passing was some way off the quality of Connor Goldson.
James Sands – 3
If Lundstram was bad out of position at centre-back, Sands was awful. Offered Rangers nothing at the back in terms of defensive know how, stability, aerial threat or leadership. Rangers need Goldson back and someone to partner him.
Adam Devine – 7 (87, replaced by Davies)
One of Rangers best players and certainly, one of the only players to play consistently well throughout the 90. Would have been forgiven for keeping things simple in his first-ever Ibrox League start. Got forward well, got back superbly.
Ryan Jack – 6
Poor in the first half but much improved in the second and it was his goal that saw Rangers look as though they would win the game from then on in. Tenacious to get on the end of Tillman’s flick. Rangers have missed Jack, at his best.
Glen Kamara – 5 (87, replaced by Arfield)
Rusty. Andy Halliday claims he is Beale’s favourite. Well, on this showing, he won’t have been. Had a couple of chances to shoot but chose to pass when shooting would have been better. Misplaced passes, but improved as game went on.
Malik Tillman – 8 (Star Player) (87, replaced by Wright)
Drifted in and out of the game in the first half, but he was the man that changed it. Two assists. His flick for Jack from a Tavernier corner, and then a wonderful assist for Morelos to score the winner. With Rangers leading, more confidence.
Ryan Kent – 6
Some lovely touches but the story was the same as ever, little end product. Summed up by a lovely jink, step-over and the chance to shoot from 25 yards on 78 minutes – but blazed it miles over the bar. Assist for Sakala’s goal.
Fashion Sakala – 4 (65, replaced by Davis)
Perhaps harsh, given he scored the first goal of the Beale era. But some of his touches were woeful. Looked like he was lacking confidence. Allowed a simple pass to roll under his foot in first half and go out for a throw. Not good enough.
Alfredo Morelos – 7 (93, replaced by Matondo)
Like many of the Rangers players, poor in the first half but so much better in the second 45. Got the winner, in the right place at the right time to tap home. Nice link-up play too, with both feet. Promising signs for Rangers and Morelos.
Subs:
Steven Davis (25, replaced Sakala) – Decent showing, still plenty of energy. Might have scored had it not been for a Hibs player blocking his effort. Good yellow on 88 minutes. Experience when Rangers needed it most.
Wright, Arfield, Matondo and Davies – N/A.
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