As first games of the season go, this one was largely forgettable, at least from a Rangers perspective.
Michael Beale’s side had a free week leading into this match at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock but, ultimately it ended in disappointment with Rangers going down 1-0 courtesy of a Brad Lyon’s strike in the second half.
It’s been the story spoken about in pre-season; poor defensive errors mixed with poor cohesion in the final third cost Michael Beale and his side any points against Derek McInnes’ Kilmarnock side.
John Souttar will be having not be able to sleep tonight when he replays his part in Kilmarnock’s goal in his head; but in the end Rangers didn’t deserve anything from the match and they trail in the table already after one fixture.
With no one covering themselves in glory in Ayrshire, here are the player ratings from the toothless Rangers display.
Starting 11
Jack Butland – 6
The Englishman looked like a commanding figure in goal. Had a couple of efforts at playing sweeper keeper. Will be annoyed that the calamity in front of him meant he had no clean sheet on his competitive debut. No chance with the goal.
James Tavernier – 5
A poor afternoon for the skipper. Tavernier have any meaningful influence on the game in an attacking sense from open play. He did, however, fire some good corners over in the second half, that’s about as positive as it gets.
Connor Goldson – 5
Goldson was largely solid and given he had no minutes at all in pre-season showed up well like the leader he has become. Tired towards the end.
John Souttar – 4
Over the piece, Souttar played very well. However, he was the one, who unfortunately, made the error that immediately contributed to Rangers leaving Rugby Park with no points.
Borna Barisic – 4
Barisic has become extremely safe. He looks a player who has little confidence. His contribution to the match was minimal apart from the few crosses he hit too close to the Killie keeper.
John Lundstram – 4
Neat and tidy for the most part from the Scouser; played in a back three for the majority, but his laboured snail-tempo passing is not what was needed in a fixture against a Kilmarnock side who sat in with back six at times. Replaced by Ryan Jack on 72 minutes.
Nico Raskin – 6
Rangers’ best player on the day. Was trying to get his front players to move to create something throughout, but it didn’t transpire. Had to hold the fort in midfield due to the poor displays around him.
Kieran Dowell – 4
Not the best competitive showing for Dowell, a few nice touches and one shot that went over the bar. He was busy but that’s about it. Replaced by Cantwell on the 65th minute.
Sam Lammers – 4
The game passed Lammers by. A few nice touches, but overall, was never in the game, playing on the edge of it. Should have been breaking his neck to convert Sima’s pull-back but was caught on his heels.
Cyriel Dessers – 4
Similarly to Lammers, the game passed him by. He looked yards off the pace and a guy who is a few weeks in fitness behind his teammates. Replaced by Danilo on the 65th minute.
Abdallah Sima – 5
The best of the attacking players. But still didn’t have a great evening. Tried to cause Killie issues with his pace and running in behind but he like the rest of the team appear to be on a different wavelength.
Substitutes
Todd Cantwell – 4
Struggled to have any kind of impact.
Danilo – 4
See above.
Ryan Jack – 4
See above.
Kemar Roofe – 4
See above.