Rangers showed impressive attacking play, mixed with some loose defending, in their 5-3 win over Hamilton. Below is my opinion on how the players rated on the day.
WES FODERINGHAM – 6
Whilst there was little he could do about the goals, Foderingham will have been annoyed by conceding three on the day. That almost felt like his only real contribution to the match. Everything he done was solid, including his distribution.
JAMES TAVERNIER – 7
Tavernier wasn’t quite as effective in this match as he has been recently. He had a good game, and certainly had nice moments in an attacking sense. However, the main threat on the day seemed to come from the left. There were a few passes which led to good chances for Windass. Tavernier was also part of the build up for the fourth goal. It’s a testament to his recent performances that this is now seen as somewhat normal.
DECLAN JOHN – 8
John made a number of good runs from left back, especially in the first half. His link up play with both Murphy and Windass was excellent. This led to a lot of space being made for others as Hamilton tried to cover his runs. He also found Windass with an excellent pass in the second half in a move that should have resulted in a goal. His last few performances have been pretty strong.
DAVID BATES – 7
Despite the concession of three goals, Bates defended well. In the first couple of minutes, he showed strength and positioning to cut out a cross. None of the goals came from any of his errors. He was also very composed on the ball, finding passes under pressure easily. Missed a great chance to open his goal account with a header which looked easier to score.
RUSSELL MARTIN – 6
It was a poor clearance by Martin which led to the second Hamilton goal, although he shouldn’t be solely blamed for that. He was very unlucky to have been punished by the penalty for the third goal. Overall, he done ok, but he’ll be annoyed by the errors. Like Bates, he was good on the ball, and part of the move that led to the best goal of the day.
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GREG DOCHERTY – 8
Docherty made a slow start to the match. His poor clearance led to the first goal, and he was struggling to find his passes consistently. Despite that, he was unlucky not to set up a goal for Morelos. It was his pressing and reading of the game that led to the third goal for Rangers as well. In the second half, he became far more impressive, winning the ball often and keeping Rangers on the front foot. Unlucky not to score with a good effort in the second half.
SEAN GOSS – 7
Goss was effective without being as impressive as recent matches. His passing range is excellent, and that was evident. He was somewhat exposed defensively though, and didn’t get a grip of the game in the first half. He’s a player who will improve with a more defensive minded midfielder next to him. Just before halftime, he hit a good free kick which was well saved, but other efforts on goal were poor.
DANIEL CANDEIAS – 7
Candeias provided the usual level of workrate and energy, but the game seemed to be played more on the other flank. He was involved in the last goal, with his quick throw-in sending Morelos through. He also had a lovely piece of skill in the second half, tight on the touchline, which was impressive. His crossing was a little inconsistent, but a few in the second half should have led to better chances.
JOSH WINDASS – 9
A hattrick for Windass, and chances to have scored more than that. Whilst his first goal was lucky, the others showed real quality as he finished well on the run. His movement caused issues for the Hamilton defence the entire match. Both fullbacks were able to find him making blind-side runs easily. He should also have had at least one assist after a great cross in the second half.
JAMIE MURPHY – 9
The first half should have been called the Jamie Murphy Show. He scored the equaliser and set up the other 3 Rangers goals as he showed all of his class. His movement for the fourth goal was extremely impressive, as was the vision to touch the ball inside to Windass. In the second half, as Rangers tried to play a bit less openly, he wasn’t quite as impressive, but his touch and workrate continued in the same vein. Definitely his best performance for Rangers so far.
ALFREDO MORELOS – 9
A goal and two assists for Morelos, and he could have had more. His attitude and pressing of the game was pivotal to Rangers reacting well to conceding. He won headers, drew fouls, and linked up really well with his teammates. The goal he scored was a simple enough finish, and he was in place for rebounds and cutbacks constantly. A great performance from the forward, especially after all the speculation of late.
KENNY MILLER – 3
Came on quite late for Windass, but as Rangers were starting to see out the game, he didn’t have much involvement.
JASON CUMMINGS – 3
As with Miller, Cummings didn’t have time to make a real impact.
ANDY HALLIDAY also came on, but only for the last few minutes.
Any ratings you feel are incorrect? Tweet us @rangersnewsuk with your thoughts!