Rangers faced Kilmarnock looking to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table before the much needed winter break.
Gers boss Philippe Clement didn’t make too many changes to his starting XI even though there were a few welcome additions to the squad.
Rangers were always going to be in for a tough afternoon against Kilmarnock given some of their recent results but who were the star performers at Ibrox and who didn’t do enough to impress?
Rangers v Kilmarnock player ratings
Here are how the Rangers players rated against Kilmarnock.
Jack Butland – 8
A quiet afternoon for the nine times capped England international, as expected he had to be on his toes to deal with set pieces and long balls.
Huge save at 0-0 when Connor Goldson went for a wander, match winning stuff.
No chance with the penalty.
James Tavernier – 7
A bright start from the skipper as he looked to drive Rangers forward and get Kilmarnock pinned back.
Passing was much better than it has been.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 9
The Turkey international always looks better with a run of games and looked to link play with Abdallah Sima.
Kept Danny Armstrong quiet and bravery in possession led to first goal, got into some great positions and was a constant threat.
Lovely ball for Todd Cantwell’s goal.
Doing everything to suggest he shouldn’t be sold despite speculation.
Connor Goldson – 7
Always looks more comfortable when he isn’t having to pick a striker up and had the pace of John Souttar alongside him to deal with the extra space that they had to cover.
Had his passing boots on with several raking long balls to Sima including an assist.
What he was thinking at 0-0 is anyone’s guess.
John Souttar – 7
Back into the starting XI with Leon Balogun out suspended and looked keen to reclaim his position as first choice to partner the vice-captain.
Offered support to the midfield and comfortable in defence, it was never a penalty.
John Lundstram – 6
As always, there was plenty of running from Lundstram in the middle of the park with Kieran Dowell given more license to get forwards.
First 40 minutes he was playing far too deep until Clement intervened.
Kieran Dowell – 8
From the first whistle looked to get beyond the forwards and link play with the front four.
Carried a constant threat from midfield that has been missing for a lot of the season, could be a real asset moving forwards.
Todd Cantwell – 8
Refereed to a different standard as yellow card from John Beaton demonstrated once again, worked tirelessly and carried a threat between midfield and attack.
Almost trying to hard to make something happen just now.
Higher position saw him react quickly to Ridvan’s cross for the third, lovely goal, nearly got a second but denied by a good save.
Abdallah Sima – 6
Looks as though his mind is already on the African Cup of Nations after a poor display at the weekend and another mixed bag today.
Had three great opportunities early on and made nothing of any of them.
Then just before half-time reminded everyone what he is capable of.
Needs to contribute more in open play though.
Ross McCausland – 8
Carried a threat one v one and was involved with some promising combinations with James Tavernier down the right-hand side in the opening stages.
Great run and composed finish for the key opening goal for Rangers to breakdown Kilmarnock and inch perfect pass for Cantwell at 3-1, it’s his position to lose.
Cyril Dessers – 5
Hit the post with a smart turn and shot, held the ball up better than he has been but still too many moves breaking down at the Gers number nine’s feet.
One minute he can’t pass the ball five yards, next, he’s Kevin de Bruyne.
Substitutes
Fabio Silva – 7
Looked very neat and tidy, won a few duels and made some good runs, could be useful over the next few months.
Dujon Sterling – 7
Goes about his work without any fuss, solid and reliable.
Scott Wright – Not on long enough to make an impact.
Rabbi Matondo – Not on long enough to make an impact.
Nicolas Raskin – Not on long enough to make an impact, a welcome return though.
