Rangers secured a comfortable opening day in the Scottish Premier League with a 3-0 win over Livingston at Ibrox on Saturday.
It took just eight minutes for Gers to get ahead as last season’s Young Player of the Year Ianis Hagi controlled the ball brilliantly in the area before crossing to the right to drive the ball home.
? @ IanisHagi10.
A perfect start to Ibrox! Pic.twitter.com/meZDQhxoGs
– Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 31, 2021
Rangers dominated the game and created a number of half-chances, but Livingston’s goalkeeper Max Stryjek retains his side in the competition with some decent stops.
The visitors kept the pressure on to tie the game when, after 12 minutes, Steven Gerrard broke through the center and found himself alone with the keeper. Scott Wright made a great block, though.
There was only time for Kemar Roofe to add some shine to the score line in stoppage time, netting with a typical poaching. This is how the home team’s players rated during the day …
James Tavernier was as dangerous as ever / Matthew Ashton – AMA / Getty Images
Jon McLaughlin (GK) – 6/10 – Given almost nothing to do for most of the game. If we could score him “N / A” we would.
James Tavernier (RB) – 6/10 – As dangerous ever on Rangers right and swung a number of evil deliveries to the area. A little sloppy in possession sometimes but a decent start to the season.
Connor Goldson (CB) – 6/10 – Looked very comfortable on the back. Nicely in possession but not much more to say given the dominance of his side.
Leon Balogun (CB) – 5/10 – Not as confident in possession as his center back. A little guilty of slowing down the game by taking too many touches and it did not help the rhythm of his side.
Calvin Bassey (LB) – 7/10 – Great defense when Livingston wanted to attack on the right. Matched Tavernier’s working speed on the opposite flank and was a constant outlet.
Steven Davis was the midfielder / Lewis Storey / Getty Images
Joe Aribo (CM) – 5/10 – Some loose elements in the last third that cost his side some clear opportunities. Very hard work but not the best performance.
Glen Kamara (CM) – 6/10 – As eager to fight as we have become accustomed to seeing from Finland’s international.
Steven Davis (CM) – 7/10 – Constantly looking to take the ball from his back line and showed lots of effort to drive forward with the ball at his feet. Produced some pointed long balls that helped open up the pitch.
Ianis Hagi opened the scoring / Matthew Ashton – AMA / Getty Images
Ianis Hagi (RW) – 7/10 – Opened the score early with a great hit. Had to withdraw in the first half after taking a knock, but by that time he had already made his mark in the competition.
Sakala Mode (ST) – 5/10 – Looked bright early but his influence began to wane and he was suspended with 20 minutes to play after he barely had a kick in the second half.
Ryan Kent (LW) – 8/10 – The former Liverpool man was a constant livewire and looked dangerous when he was on the ball. Always willing to run in behind and stretch the play.
SUB: An early change from Rangers | 1-0
➡️ ON: Scott Wright⬅️ OFF: Ianis Hagi
– Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 31, 2021
Scott Wright (LW) – 8/10 – Presented shortly after the half-hour mark after Hagi was allowed to retire. Showed great work ethic and got a brilliant goal to put the result beyond doubt.
John Lundstram (CM) – 6/10
Kemar Roofe (ST) – 7/10
