Rangers extended their winning streak to nine matches in all competitions and kept their sixth consecutive clean sheet on Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock.
James Tavernier scored the only goal of the game from the spot in the 19th minute following a handball from Killie defender Ross Millen.
The Gers dominated the first half but the game turned scrappy after the interval and with the rain pouring down in the closing stages, the hosts were threatening to level things up.
However, unlike on several occasions in the recent past, Steven Gerrard’s men managed to hold on and as a result, they have opened up a nine-point gap at the top of the Premiership table.
Here are our Rangers player ratings from the 1-0 win over Kilmarnock:
Allan McGregor – 7
Has had very little to do recently but was called upon on a couple of occasions in this one and got down well to beat away a firmly-struck Brophy free-kick in the closing stages.
James Tavernier – 8
Excellent performance once again from the skipper, whose expertly dispatched penalty proved to be the difference.
Connor Goldson – 8
Continued his superb recent form with another commanding performance. Composed in possession and dominant in the air. Looked totally unphased despite the artificial surface and the poor conditions.
Filip Helander – 6
Not his most convincing display in a Rangers shirt. Made several errors which almost allowed Killie through to score. Lost Kabamba once or twice and was then bullied out wide by Brophy. Will take the clean sheet though.
Borna Barisic – 7
Joined Tavernier in firing crosses into the opposition area in the first half and did well defensively.
Ryan Jack – 7
Anchored the midfield well in a quietly effective display after shaking off a niggle prior to the game. His competitiveness in the middle served Gerrard well.
Scott Arfield – 7
Another strong showing from the Canada international on his 32nd birthday. His work rate is unmatched while he often read the play well and posed a threat with his late runs from midfield.
Joe Aribo – 7
A standout in the first half with a powerful display as Rangers dominated proceedings. Struggled a little after the break and was subbed off after an hour as he continues to work up to full fitness.
Cedric Itten – 7
Very encouraging showing in only his second Premiership start. His height and physicality allowed Rangers to play relatively directly at times and he fashioned several opportunities for others from tidy work on the right flank. Denied from close range by Rogers in the second half.
Ryan Kent – 6
Looked to make things happen throughout and his chested layoff provided Aribo with a good chance in the first half. Struggled with his end product, though, with little else that he tried coming off.
Alfredo Morelos – 6
A quiet outing following his dynamic cameo against Lech Poznan. Involved in some nice link-up play. Should have been slipped in by teammates on several occasions but had very few sightings at goal.
SUBS:
Steven Davis – 5
Played a nice lofted ball shortly after his introduction to provide Itten with a golden chance but conceded a free-kick in a dangerous area in the closing stages.
Leon Balogun – N/A
Shored up the defence for the final few minutes.
