Rangers blew a golden chance to go clear at the top of the league after drawing 0-0 with Livingston to bring their 100% record to an end with a toothless performance at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
The Gers made two changes from the win over St. Johnstone in midweek with Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo making way for Filip Helander and Scott Arfield.
Steven Gerrard’s side made heavy work of the clash and quite simply should have won quite comfortably against a Livingston side who barely had a chance on goal.
The result puts the Gers top on goal difference but it is very much a case of two points dropped rather than one gained and it can’t happen again if there’s any hope of a title challenge.
Here’s how Steven Gerrard’s side performed against Livingston as they blew their chance to go clear:
Jon McLaughlin – 6
Barely involved and passing let him down a few times as he got his team-mates into trouble. Decent enough overall.
James Tavernier – 6
Some really enticing crosses from the full-back as he tried to find a way through the Livi defence. Probably Rangers’ biggest attacking threat.
Connor Goldson – 6
Rarely tested defensively as Livi spent much of the game camped in their own camp. Some of the defender’s attempts at passing were woeful and done Rangers few favours.
Filip Helander – 6
One or two shaky moments from the Swede as he made his first league start since December. Decent enough without ever excelling.
Borna Barisic – 6
Croatian was fairly subdued as he struggled to provide his usual attacking influence on the game as Livingston tried to keep things tight. Biggest threat came from corner kicks. Fantastic free-kick five minutes from the end came the closest to opening the scoring.
Ryan Jack – 5
Very quiet and far too conservative on the ball. Far too often Jack would take too many touches then play the safest pass he could.
Glen Kamara – 5
Similar to Jack and was far too reserved with his passing, opting for the easy pass too often. Gerrard needs to decide between one of Jack and Kamara in games like this.
Scott Arfield – 4
In the side after Joe Aribo’s knock but never really got going and was replaced shortly after half-time by Brandon Barker. Canadian international needs to do more when he gets his chance in the side.
Ianis Hagi – 4
Few little glimpses in the first half but nowhere near enough from the Romanian international and was replaced by Kemar Roofe ten minutes after the break.
Ryan Kent – 6
Flitted in and out of the game in the opening 45 and looking much more like the Kent of last season than the one who has impressed this season. Got better later on but needs to be far more consistent.
Alfredo Morelos – 5
Early scare when the Colombian went down clutching his ankle but quickly recovered and showed no ill-effects. Tried to get involved but had very little service. Replaced by Cedric Itten after 70 minutes.
Substitutes: Brandon Barker (5) on in place of Arfield Kemar Roofe (5) Replaced Hagi ten minutes after the break. Cedric Itten (5) replaced Morelos for the final 20 minutes.
