Rangers player ratings v St Mirren - Butland wows, 2/10 loses six of seven duels

Sun 28 April 2024 16:42, UKUpdated Sun 28 April 2024 18:50, UK

Rangers secured a vital three points as they kept their title hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over St Mirren on Sunday (28 April).

A James Bolton own goal handed the Gers the lead just past the half-hour mark, with Cyriel Dessers scoring the winning goal on 74 minutes after Mikael Mandron had brought the hosts level in Paisley.

Philippe Clement’s side enjoyed 67 per cent of the possession, but they didn’t have it all their own way, as St Mirren only registered one shot fewer on target than the Light Blues’ six efforts.

Football Insider has analysed the Rangers players’ performances out of 10 against St Mirren.

PLAYER RATINGS

Jack Butland [9]

It was yet another impressive outing from Jack Butland. The goalkeeper made four stops throughout the afternoon, three of which came from shots inside the box. He received a harsh booking late on for what looked to be a fair challenge, but the victory probably wouldn’t have been possible without his contribution.

James Tavernier [7]

The Rangers captain had a mixed afternoon. He started the game a little shaky, making a mistake that led to an early St Mirren chance. The right-back did, however, add another assist to his tally following his excellent ball into Dessers for the winner. He won all eight of his duels, made two tackles and played two key passes to help his side pick up the win.

Leon Balogun [5]

It wasn’t exactly a statement-making performance from Leon Balogun. The defender struggled to deal with Mandron at times and should have done more to prevent the forward from bringing his side level. He made up for it in injury-time after making a superb block to deny Toyosi Olusanya from grabbing a late equaliser. The Nigerian only won four out of his eight aerial duels, but he did make four tackles.

John Souttar [6]

John Souttar was reasonably solid. The Scotsman won six out of his 10 duels and was tidy in possession, registering an 87 per cent pass success rate with his 73 touches of the ball. One of those passes found Dessers in a promising position, but the forward wasn’t able to make the most of it.

Borna Barisic [6]

It was Borna Barisic’s corner that led to the opening goal, with the left-back swinging in a couple of dangerous crosses throughout the afternoon. He would’ve liked to have been tidier in possession, having recorded just a 74 per cent pass success rate after giving the ball away 21 times.

Rangers midfielder had mixed afternoon against St Mirren

John Lundstram [7]

After some of the Rangers fans have been critical of John Lundstram’s performances lately, he put in a solid display against St Mirren. The midfielder made one tackle, one interception and three key passes. He will be looking to build on this showing over the coming weeks.

Mohamed Diomande [6]

It was a quieter afternoon for Mohamed Diomande compared to his midfield partner. The Ivorian won six of his 10 duels, but he was a little bit wasteful in possession, only finding a teammate with one of his seven attempted long balls.

Dujon Sterling [3]

After putting in some excellent performances since the turn of the year, this wasn’t an afternoon to remember for Dujon Sterling. Playing in an attacking wide role, he failed to find a teammate with any of his four crosses and won just four of his 10 duels. Although his versatility provides Clement with some decent options, he won’t have been impressed by Sterling’s 68 per cent pass success rate.

Todd Cantwell and Fabio Silva struggled for Rangers

Todd Cantwell [4]

Todd Cantwell had a couple of promising moments in the game, making one key pass, but he would like to have provided more of an impact. The attacking midfielder had four shots off target and gave away the ball 10 times before being replaced. There should be better games ahead for him in a Gers shirt.

Fabio Silva [2]

Fabio Silva was by far the worst player on the pitch. The Portuguese took a dive in the first half and offered very little for his side before being subbed off 10 minutes into the second half. He failed to complete any dribbles, won just one of his seven duels and had only 29 touches of the ball. His loan spell has largely been a failure so far.

Cyriel Dessers [7]

Although Dessers also only touched the ball 29 times, it was his goal that earned Rangers all three points. The forward made three key passes and created one big chance. He perhaps could have been more involved, but he turned up when it counted for his side.

SUBSTITUTES

Ross McCausland [3]

It wasn’t Ross McCausland’s best performance off the bench. He failed to complete any of his two dribbles and won just one of his five duels.

Tom Lawrence [N/A]

He had an excellent chance to seal the points late on but didn’t really have enough time on the pitch to make an impact.

Scott Wright [N/A]

It was a similar story for Scott Wright as he came on late to provide a bit of energy going forward.

In other news, Fulham, Sheffield United and Southampton plot raids to sign Ibrox star.

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