Full Time: Rangers 2-0 St. Mirren
Ten-man Rangers defeated the newly promoted St. Mirren 2-0 in their second game of the 2018/19 Scottish Premiership season at the Ibrox Stadium on Sunday.
Just fourteen minutes into the game, Alfredo Morelos put the Gers ahead, before captain of the day, Connor Goldson, doubled their advantage, heading home from a free-kick. The home team were reduced to ten men at the half-hour mark, with Ross McCrorie receiving his marching orders for a poor challenge on Nicolai Brock-Madsen.
However, they held onto their two-goal cushion to register their first league win of the season.
Rangers Player Ratings
Allan McGregor – 6.5/10
Wasn’t truly tested by the visitors, but was up to the task whenever called upon. A calm, composed presence under the crossbar.
Jon Flanagan – 6.5/10
Switching to right-back for the game, the former Liverpool man defensively solid but offered little going forward once again.
Connor Goldson – 8.5/10
Captain on the day, the summer signing bundled home a brilliant header for the Gers’ second goal and struck the woodwork soon after, with another headed effort. Defended with usual command.
Nikola Katic – 7/10
The Croatian youngster continues to make huge strides with every passing game. Another steady and composed display in the heart of the defence.
Borna Barisic – 8/10
Making his debut for Rangers, the full-back enjoyed a fantastic game. Got forward well down the left-hand side and provided top-notch deliveries, one of which led to Goldson’s goal. Solid in defence.
Ross McCrorie – 2/10
Was playing decently until the moment of brain-freeze when he dived into a tackle that resulted in him being sent off in the first half. Let his team down.
Lassana Coulibaly – 7.5/10
The Malian international continued to impress, after a strong display in the midweek. Strong and powerful in the middle, used the possession smartly. Hobbled off in stoppage time, which will be a worry for Gerrard.
Ryan Kent – 6/10
Got into good positions on a number of occasions, but the end product and decision making let him down once again. Good pace and intensity, but needs to work on the final ball.
Ovie Ejaria – 6/10
Kept things simple in the middle, worked hard without the ball, which was needed considering that his side were down to ten men. However, seems to lack that creative edge to excel in the No.10 role.
Jamie Murphy – 6/10
Another frustrating display from the former Brighton & Hove Albion man. Got into good positions time and again, but failed to make it count.
Alfredo Morelos – 7.5/10
Morelos is enjoying his game at the moment and it was another powerful, all-round display at the top by the Gers’ lone forward. Opened the scoring and could have added more.
Substitutes
James Tavernier – 6/10
Replaced Barisic a little after the hour mark. Helped see out the game.
Andy Halliday – 5/10
On for Kent in the 69th minute. Did little of note.
Umar Sadiq – N/A
Came on to replace Morelos with less than 15 minutes left. Had a shot saved in stoppage time.