Philippe Clement’s start to life as Rangers manager has been an impressive one with the win over Livingston maintaining his domestic winning streak.
A comfortable 2-0 win saw Cyriel Dessers and James Tavernier get on the scoresheet but it was an afternoon’s work that would have been more comfortable but for VAR and a missed penalty from the skipper.
With the manager rotating his starting XI, who were the standouts and who should’ve done better as Rangers saw off Livingston?
Rangers see off Livingston as Clement run continues
Jack Butland – 7
He’ll have busier games for the club, put it that way.
Not much to do but dealt with some awkward pass backs on a difficult surface with consummate ease.
James Tavernier – 7
Missed penalty aside, the skipper was playing almost as a right-sided midfielder and eas involved with some good link up play with Dessers and Ross McCausland.
Borna Barisic – 7
A player who Philippe Clement’s style of play didn’t seem to suit, however, he has taken on board the Rangers manager’s instructions and was seen getting in behind Livingston’s defence.
Connor Goldson – 7
Rarely troubled in open play and commanded his box at set-pieces too.
Some effective long-range passing from the towering centre-half, looks to have settled quickly into the adjustments Clement has made.
Leon Balogun – 7
Given the task of handling Joel Nouble and then Bruce Anderson and the big Nigerian strolled through the 90 minutes.
Alongside Goldson, protected Butland at set-pieces perfectly.
John Lundstram – 6
Was always available but didn’t have his shooting boots on and was guilty in the second half of reverting to his old ways.
Too many lateral passes and not enough into the forward line’s feet, protected the defence well though.
Ryan Jack – 6
Almost identical to Lundstram except he seemed surprised whenever a teammate laid it off for him to shoot.
Like his engine room partner, best work was done out of possession and gave the team a solid base for a comfortable afternoon.
Tom Lawrence – 8
The Welshman’s first start for Rangers since last season and there was an immediate sense that he was somebody who could make something happen against Livingston.
His assist for Cyriel Dessers proving that he has lost none of his passing ability.
Abdallah Sima – 7
A constant threat without really ever causing as much damage as he would have liked.
Incredibly unlucky to be pulled up for a foul when Ross McCausland thought he scored his first goal for the club.
Ross McCausland – 8
Gets credit for “winning” the penalty because, even if he doesn’t dive, his awareness and speed of movement still got him to the ball first anyway.
Could easily have resorted to throwing crosses in but looked to link with teammates and get behind the Livi defence on his starting debut, a new contract is a no-brainer.
Also, his finish for the disallowed goal deserved better from the officials.
Cyriel Dessers – 5
Harsh? Yes, he scored his goal but the game was tighter than it should have been because he couldn’t stay onside and missed easy chances.
It was a good run for the goal he did score but he needs to stop ball watching when Rangers have possession.
Substitutes:
Danilo – 6
Hardly touched the ball but for a neat turn and shot after a good pass from Jose Cifuentes.
Todd Cantwell, Jose Cifuentes, Ridvan Yilmaz
No real impact from any of them other than Cifuentes playing a decent ball in for Danilo.
The game had slowed to walking pace after the second goal as Rangers saw out a 2-0 win against Livingston and kept the momentum going.
