Rangers secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Joe Aribo opened the scoring after 32 minutes with an emphatic finish having been sent through on goal by Scott Arfield.
Shortly into the second half, the prolific Alfredo Morelos doubled the advantage. He notched his 22nd of the season and tenth in ten games, firing a powerful low drive beyond Sarkic and into the bottom right corner.
Rangers controlled the game thereafter, attacking at will and going close on multiple occasions.
A thoroughly professional performance then, at what is a tough away venue, particularly on the back of their European exertions.
The win keeps Rangers level on points with Celtic at the top of the table, who defeated Motherwell at Parkhead [BBC Sport].
Here’s how we thought the players fared:
Allan McGregor – 6
The Gers stopper was little more than a spectator in the first half, with the hosts failing to register a shot on target. Swallowed up a snapshot from Lawless just before the hour mark. As straightforward a day out as is possible.
James Tavernier – 6
The skipper surged forward, as usual, looking to support attacks and was largely untroubled defensively. His crossing wasn’t great in the first period but he almost teed up Goldson with a clever set-piece in the second half. Went close with a long-range drive near the end. Solid outing.
Connor Goldson – 7
Largely untroubled defensively against a Livi side who failed to offer much in attack. Much improved in terms of his distribution and clearly full of confidence following his stellar display against Porto.
Filip Helander – 7
Dealt well with the aerial threat of Dykes. A marked improvement on his only previous appearance on this ground, as he continues to justify his selection in the side.
Borna Barisic – 8
Another strong showing from the Croatian in what was his 13th consecutive start for the club. He offerred width down the left flank, crossing dangerously on multiple occasions in the first half. His ball down the line released Morelos for the second goal. Saw a firmly struck shot somehow kept out by a combination of Sarkic and the upright with five minutes remaining.
Ryan Jack – 7
Had a deflected long-range effort well saved by Sarkic in the opening stages. Used the ball typically well in the middle of the park, linking up much of his side’s play. A no-frills yet quality performance.
Glen Kamara – 8
Built upon his strong second-half performance against Porto with perhaps his best display of the season. Used the ball efficiently in midfield, looking confident in possession. Only denied a goal by a spectacular diving save from Sarkic.
Joe Aribo – 8
A big performance from the ex-Charlton man, whose supremely confident finish put the Gers on course for three points. Showed some trademark quick feet on occasion and while still raw, he continues to look a quality addition. Replaced by Greg Stewart late on.
Scott Arfield – 6
Recalled to the team after two games on the bench, the Canada skipper finally showed some subtlety in the final third with an excellently weighted through ball for Aribo’s goal. Quiet in general play, but almost grabbed a second assist after teeing up Barisic in the closing stages.
Ryan Kent – 6
Flashed a shot wide from the edge of the area in the first half, but wasn’t as involved as he would have liked. Picked up a knock in a heavy collision not long into the second period. Substituted for Ojo just before the hour mark, but hopefully just as a precaution.
Alfredo Morelos – 8
Cut a frustrated figure for large parts of the first half. Took too long after getting through one-on-one with Sarkic after 20 mins, and was occasionally sloppy in possession. Showed his class with the goal shortly after the interval, though. Shrugged off his man and cut inside before firing into the far corner with precision. Roamed all over the park as the Gers controlled the game thereafter. Subbed for Defoe in the closing stages.
Subs:
Sheyi Ojo – 6
Full of running in the half an hour he was on the pitch. Sent a header wide from a Morelos cross after a swift counter-attack. Took on defenders and was cynically taken out on multiple occasions.
Jermain Defoe + Greg Stewart – n/a
Both players were introduced in the closing stages and didn’t have much time to make an impact. Stewart possibly should have squared for Defoe when in sight of the goal with minutes remaining, but instead fired into the side netting.
