Rangers booked their place in the League Cup semi finals with what was in the end a convincing 4-0 win at home to Livingston.
Michael Beale’s side came into the game under pressure to perform following a disappointing showing in Sunday’s win over Motherwell, and started this match on the front foot, with the opening goal of the game coming after 10 minutes as Abdallah Sima curled home a beauty of just inside the box.
The finish, which may be controversial to some given there was a potential push by Sima in the buildup, epitomised the forward’s evening as he was terrific for the duration.
Despite looking sharper on the ball early on, Rangers eventually got bogged down towards the middle of the game which brought about fears of a repeat of the weekend’s limp finish.
But left back Ridvan Yilmaz calmed any nerves with a terrific solo run and finish of 66 minutes to calm any lingering nerves. Further goals from Sima, via a deflection, and Ryan Jack put the icing on what ended up being a comfortable evening for Beale’s side.
Hearts now await at Hampden in November for the semi final, but it’s important now that Rangers take this momentum on to their upcoming league and European ties.
Until then though, here are the player ratings for Rangers vs Livingston.
Jack Butland – 6
A virtual spectator for most of the game as Livingston were unable to create anything of note.
James Tavernier – 7
Aside from one moment early in the second half, handled the threat and power of Nouble well. Played a couple of terrific low balls across the box in late in the game, including the one that contributed to Jack’s goal.
Connor Goldson – 7
Quicker getting the ball out of defence than on Sunday which helped with the early pressure. Swept up well when Livi tried to up the game early in second half.
Ben Davies – 8
The Englishman continues to show that he’s a player after all with another dominating display here. Looks much better in the physical aspect of the game than last season and some of his control to minimise threat of high balls was sublime.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 8
Makes such a difference to how this side play as his strengths allow the team to play quicker on the front foot more than Barisic. Terrific run and goal that should ensure he’s the first choice (domestically anyway) moving forward.
John Lundstram – 7
Not as influential as he has been the past couple of games but is still looking to get the team on the front foot more than he had been.
Jose Cifuentes – 7
Improving with every game as he looks to be building a solid understanding with Lundstram. Still needs to take less time on the ball at times, but that will come as he continues the tradition from MLS to Scotland.
Ryan Jack – 7
Added some extra solidity to the midfield three as he recycled the ball efficiently and took goal very well.
Sam Lammers – 7
If he could improve his finishing and be a bit more tidier on the ball consistently, he’d be a real asset in his team as he was able to link between midfield and attack expertly at times here. Should do better with late chance.
Abdallah Sima – 9
The on-loan Brighton player produced his best display in blue to-date as his pace caused problems down the Livi night all evening. Brilliant finish for controversial winner and deserved his luck for deflected third.
Kemar Roofe – 6
Unable to influence game as groin knock picked up midway through first half meant he was replaced by Dessers at half time. Fans will be concerned it’s just normal service resumed when it comes to Roofe and the treatment table.
Subs
Cyriel Dessers – 6
Borna Barisic – 6
Dujon Sterling – 5
Scott Wright – 5
John Souttar – 4