Joe Roberts

Sun 14 April 2024 14:24, UK

Rangers suffered a huge dent to their title hopes after losing 3-2 to Ross County on Sunday afternoon (14 April).

The Staggies had the better chances in the opening 45 minutes, but an own goal from Jack Baldwin gifted Philippe Clement’s side the lead in the 15th minute.

However, Ross County answered back just minutes into the second half with a well-taken equaliser from Simon Murray and George Harmon’s strike to make it 2-1.

Josh Sims then took advantage of a counterattack to give the relegation-threatened side a 3-1 lead and a massive victory, before James Tavernier converted a consolation penalty for the away side to make it 3-2.

Football Insider has analysed the Rangers starting line-up’s performance against Ross County after their showdown in the Highlands.

PLAYER RATINGS

Jack Butland [8]

Exceptional once again. Ross County had the better of the first half and could have been leading without numerous top saves from Butland – including a huge leap to his right post in the 21st minute and a close-range stop in the 47th minute moments before the Staggies’ equaliser. However, he is still human and could not help the woeful defence ahead of him.

Borna Barisic [4]

Did little to influence the game and was part of the calamitous defence that saw Rangers’ lead drop within minutes. 14 accurate passes is far below expectations and he looked weak against Ross County’s aggressive attack. It was no surprise Clement hauled him off early in the second half. Poor.

John Souttar [3]

Rangers’ defence was undoubtedly their weak spot and Souttar played a big role in County’s quick charge into the lead. Struggled against the opposition’s quick passing and looked very weak. Still managed 100 per cent long ball accuracy and six clearances, but fans will care little for that.

Connor Goldson [3]

Was aerially dominant across the 90, but that was possibly his only beneficial contribution to the game. Was at fault, along with his partner Souttar, for County’s quick goals in the second half and frequently failed to stick to his man. Shocking.

James Tavernier [3]

The captain often struggled to beat his man and showed none of the quality that has endeared himself to Rangers fans. Despite making two key passes and converting his spot-kick, he managed just 69 per cent pass accuracy, 33 per cent cross accuracy and committed 35 fouls.

John Lundstram [4]

Showed absolutely no urgency before any of Ross County’s goals and was often caught ball-watching. Clement surprisingly kept him on the field after this, but across the 90 he managed just one key pass, one successful aerial duel and lost possession 14 times. Weak.

Kieran Dowell [3]

Dowell’s return to the starting XI proved to be a mistake from Clement. County dominated the midfield and Dowell did little to prevent their quick counters. He lost possession 14 times, managed just one successful dribble and with 76 per cent pass accuracy, his distribution was frequently wayward.

Todd Cantwell [6]

Was perhaps Rangers’ most energetic player and played two key passes to help string his side together. However, his mazy dribbles often proved pointless as he just ran into traffic, losing the ball 20 times. He made four successful dribbles and five shots – including one that struck the post in the second half. Was far from the worst player on the field.

Fabio Silva [5]

Took up really good positions and his link-up play with his attacking teammates was instrumental in Rangers’ best passages of play before he was hauled off for Rabbi Matondo in the 54th minute. However, he lacked the needed cutting edge and did not challenge the goal enough having attempted just two shots, failing his only attempted dribble and losing possession 11 times.

Abdallah Sima [2]

Was absent in the first half bar a few off-target shots and frequently being dispossessed. The second 45 did not see a change at all. All his attempted shots were poor or off-target and he did not show his typically lethal self. With just 11 passes, one successful dribble and just a 50 per cent duel success rate, the Brighton loanee was far below standards.

Cyriel Dessers [4]

His hold-up play was good but he should have put his team up 2-0 in the first half but Silva’s deflected shot fell too hard for the Nigeria international. Dessers mustered just 11 accurate passes, missed two big chances and should have given his side a firm lead. More needed.

In other news, Big update on Rangers talks with first-team star after offer submitted.

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