Rangers John SouttarJohn Souttar had established himself as the top Rangers defender [Credit Imago]
John Souttar flops at Ruby Park with 2/10- Rangers player ratings v Kilmarnock
Rangers returned from the October international break with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Philippe Clement’s side struggled to create any real chances of note as they were beaten by Derek McInnes’ side on Sunday (20 August) with a late goal from Marley Watkins the difference between the two sides.
The defeat leaves the Light Blues five points adrift of both Celtic and Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership having failed to take advantage of their draw at Parkhead on Saturday (19 October).
Got himself in a mix-up with Robin Propper but recovered excellently to deny Watkins early in the first half. Having made some big saves over the course of the match, the keeper was all at sea for the late winner as he found himself alone in no man’s land.
The Brazilian was one of the Gers’ more threatening players going forward in the opening 45 minutes as he was constantly up and down the left flank. Needed a little bit of composure in the final third to really make the difference as he wasted some major chances in the second half. A game of two halves for the left-back.
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Robin Propper – 3
While the conditions were by no means easy to deal with, Propper was given a torrid afternoon by Kyle Vassell. The Dutchman was pulled all over the pitch but was never able to deal with the forward’s physical threat. Picked up a yellow card in the second with an incredibly clumsy challenge just before he was replaced by Leon Balogun.
John Souttar – 2
Having impressed with Scotland during the international break, the centre-back looked solid for the majority of the game before being easily shrugged away by Watkins in the closing exchanges. He simply has to be stronger in those situations if the Gers want to win the title this term. Ultimately cost his side a point with that late error.
James Tavernier – 5
The Gers skipper provided his usual threat from set-pieces and with the benefit of the wind nearly caught Robbie McCrorie out with one corner. Didn’t have too much to do defensively but he will have just been happy to have had a quieter afternoon out of possession.
Connor Barron – 5
Restored to the starting XI having been benched against St Johnstone last time out. Although his display was unremarkable he kept this simple and did what he could to keep the Gers ticking. Unfortunate to be hooked by Clement on the hour mark as he was far from the worst player in the middle of the park.
Mohamed Diomande – 5
Got away with one in the first half as he dallied on the ball on the edge of the Gers’ penalty area when the referee awarded the Light Blues a free-kick. Got into some advanced areas but never seemed able to produce the moment of quality to fashion a chance.
Nedim Bajrami – 5
Moved back out wide to accommodate the returning Tom Lawrence and didn’t see enough of the ball in the final third of the pitch. Blazed over with a decent chance in the second half when he really should have tested the keeper. His quality is clear to see and even when he’s not at his best he seems to make things happen. He needs to play in the number 10.
What happened to Tom Lawrence at Rangers and Ibrox?
Tom Lawrence – 4
Back in the squad after injury and it seemed as though there were a few cobwebs in his performance. Picked up a needless booking in the second half which was perhaps his biggest impact on proceedings. The Welshman has always blown hot and cold during his time in Glasgow and this was certainly one of his cold days.
Rangers Tom Lawrence
Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence [Credit Imago]
Vaclav Cerny – 5
The Czech international had a quiet first half like the rest of his attacking teammates and didn’t manage to get much more involved in the second half. Slightly guilty of forcing the ball onto his left foot at times which did hurt the Light Blues in the final third.
Cyriel Dessers – 3
You’d have been forgiven for assuming Rangers were playing without a striker in the first half. The Nigerian forward was anonymous at the top end of the pitch as he repeatedly failed to get to the front post when Tavernier and Jefte ventured forward. Played a horrific pass to waste a great counterattack midway through the first half. He did improve in the second period, but still nowhere near the level needed.
Substitutes
Leon Balogun – 5
Nico Raskin – 5
Hamza Igamane – 5
Neraysho Kasanwirjo – 4
Kieran Dowell – 5
In other Rangers news, Souttar has been backed to take over as the Gers’ captain after a new Tavernier update emerged
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