Full Time: Aberdeen 1-1 Rangers
Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw by rivals Aberdeen in their first Scottish Premiership game of the 2018-19 season, at the Pittodrie Stadium on Sunday.
The Gers played eighty minutes of manager Steven Gerrard’s first league match with ten men after striker Alfredo Morelos got himself sent off for an off-the-ball kick on Dons defender Scott McKenna in the 12th minute. However, James Tavernier gave them the lead at the half-hour mark from the penalty spot, after Dominic Ball brought Josh Windass down in the box.
It looked like the visitors would hold onto their slender lead, with Aberdeen not threatening a great deal, but 19-year-old substitute Bruce Anderson, who was making his debut for the club, fired a low strike three minutes into stoppage time to rescue a point for the Dons and deny Gerrard and his team a victory.
Here’s how the Rangers players fared on the day.
Rangers Player Ratings
Allan McGregor – 6.5/10
Not a lot he could do about Anderson’s late goal. Wasn’t tested much throughout the game and didn’t do much wrong.
James Tavernier – 7.5/10
Another solid performance from the Englishman. Knew when to get forward and when to hold his position at the back. Showed great composure to convert the penalty.
Connor Goldson – 7.5/10
The summer signing once again looked strong and solid in the Gers’ backline. Didn’t put a foot wrong all game, but could have done better to stop the late equaliser.
Nikola Katic – 7/10
The Croatian youngster also had another solid outing for the Light Blues. Does look a little edgy when it comes to his usage of possession, but is growing into a reliable prospect.
Jon Flanagan – 7/10
The former Liverpool defender continued to impress for his new club. Steady at the back, penetrative going forward and played a hand in the lead-up to the team’s goal.
Ryan Jack – 8/10
Another excellent performance from the midfielder. Has been the Gers’ best player over the past couple of weeks and that was the case again on Sunday. Kept things ticking in the middle, put in the hard yards defensively.
Lassana Coulibaly – 6/10
Another mixed bag from the summer signing. Worked hard, disrupted the attacks, but was also let down by some poor positioning and concession of unnecessary fouls on occasions.
Scott Arfield – 7/10
Making his first start since returning from injury, the former Burnley man showed why he will be key for Rangers this term. Communicated well with his teammates, kept things in check following the red card and worked extremely hard.
Josh Windass – 6/10
Once again picked on the right flank, the former Accrington Stanley man didn’t look very threatening, but won the penalty which led to the goal. Put in a real shift as the game wore on.
Alfredo Morelos – 2/10
Was looking threatening until a moment of madness saw him kick McKenna and get sent off. Let his team down in a big way.
Jamie Murphy – 6/10
Brought back into the starting XI in place of Ryan Kent, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man failed to pose much of a threat going forward. Worked hard, but it seems like his form has faded of late.
Substitutes
Ryan Kent – 5/10
Replaced Murphy with 20 minutes left. Yet to find his feet following his loan switch.
Ovie Ejaria – N/A
Came on for Jack with less than ten minutes on the clock.