Ryan Kent is still searching for his first goal of the season despite a much stronger performance for Rangers.
A 2-1 win over Dundee United was enough for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men to take the three points at Ibrox as goals from Antonio Colak and sealed the win.
Winger Kent was a constant threat, popping up on both wings and driving into the box. The attacker has been criticsed this season for below-par performances but looked to have taken confidence from a positive display against Napoli into this one.
Van Bronckhorst opted for youth with Leon King and Charlie McCann given the nod in place of James Sands and Steven Davis. Rangers started strongly with a high energy start. They flooded United’s box in the opening stages creating some early chances.
But a slack second half saw United capitalise on the break, with Liam Fox’s side coming out fighting. A well taken goal by Liam Smith on 68 minutes led to a nervy last 20 minutes but Rangers held on.
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Here is how we rated today’s players.
Antonio Colak - 8
The Croatian goal machine netted twice again taking his tally to nine for the season. A cool finish on 8 minutes was capped up by poachers goal early in the second half. Colak continues to impress in the league and looks to be vital in Rangers bid to get back in the title race.
Ryan Kent - 7
The winger looked sharper and troubled the United defence with driving runs into the box. Still searching for his first goal of the season after passing up some great chances. Didn’t get enough as Jack flash the ball across in the first couple of minutes. Was close in the second half with a driving run and shot. Looking more like himself again.
Scott Arfield - 6
Another industrious performance from the midfielder. A few half chances in the first half. Tired in the second.
Ryan Jack - 7
Great first half continuing from a strong performance from Napoli. Scotland international looked sharp as
Charlie McCann - 7
Never looked out of place in his first league start for Rangers. Had big boots to fill replacing Steven Davis. Dynamic in the middle of the park with great passing range. Goal threat too, with runs into the box and unlucky not to socre. Done himself no harm to claim a regular starting spot.
John Lundstram - 6
Solid performance, broke up attacks. Caught out in second half as United countered.
Leon King - 6
Starting to look more comfortable and growing in every game. Has plenty of pace and comfortable on the ball. Caught out by experienced Tony Watt on a number of occasions. Booked late in second half for hacking down Jamie McGrath.
Connor Goldson - 7
Steady perfoormance from Goldson keeping young King in check. Provided a calmness at times when United flurried forward in search of an equaliser.
James Tavernier - 6
Got forward more. Another assist for the captain when he set up Colak’s opener, caught on the break in the second half as United utilised their pace.
Borna Barisic - 5
Caught out for United’s goal as Liam Smith found himself in bags of space to finish to take the shot past Allan McGregor
Allan McGregor - 6
Nearly caught out with a looping header in the first half. Typical performance between the sticks, kept things calm.
Malik Tillman - 3
Came on from Jack. Struggled to get into the flow of the game. Unlucky with a great header.
Scott Wright - 3
Came on for Arfield when Rangers needed fresh legs. Was unlucky not to score after a driving run and flash shot was saved by United keeper, Eriksson.
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