Rangers put last week's League Cup Final defeat to Celtic behind them as they dumped Kilmarnock 3-1 at Ibrox.
Michael Beale reacted to losing his first game as the manager of the Light Blues by making four changes to his side with Antonio Colak, Nicolas Raskin, Todd Cantwell and Ryan Jack all showing up for the home side as they secured all three points against Derek McInnes' men at Ibrox. The game was done inside the opening 45 minutes with Connor Goldson netting with just five minutes on the clock. Fashion Sakala added a second at the third attempt after missing two big chances before skipper James Tavernier added a third from the spot just before half-time following a VAR review for handball.
The home side didn't show the same intent from the off in the second period and Allan McGregor was beaten on the hour. He looked like he should have done much better as Jeriel Dorsett headed home. The fans showed their frustrations during the 15-20 minutes spell in the game but they came through in the end and closed the gap on Celtic to six points - for 24 hours at least. Here's how we rated the home side
READ MORE: Rangers 3 Kilmarnock 1 as Colak recall justified, Raskin and Cantwell impress - 3 things we learned
Allan McGregor - 6
Looked like he should have done better at Kilmarnock goal. Quiet afternoon apart from picking ball out of the net.
James Tavernier - 7
Most of his work was going forward. Much prefers to go that way. Goal from the penalty spot as he edges closer to 100. 96 in total.
Connor Goldson - 7
Goldson in the right place to fire Rangers into the lead inside 5 minutes. Defended well when called upon.
Ben Davies - 6
Stunning ball over the top for Fashion Sakala who has to score. Really starting to settle alongside Goldson. Subbed.
Borna Barisic - 6
Like Tavernier, not much defending going back the way with plenty of forward work. Easy enough afternoon.
Ryan Jack - 6
Stuck in early doors with some tackles and keeping things single. Sits in front of back four always looking for the ball. Booked.
Nicolas Raskin - 7
Big questions asked after only handed spot on bench last week. Calm and composed figure. Big part to play this year and beyond. Subbed.
Todd Cantwell - 7
Tidy on the ball. Getting sharper and sharper as he gets more minutes in the legs. Big part in opener and second goal with a stunning switch. Subbed.
Fashion JR - 7
Third time lucky for the Zambian after two big misses. Got his goal on 25 minutes. Heavily involved with pace a real threat. Subbed.
Ryan Kent - 6
Looked much sharper and more like himself by running at players. Big talk over his future rumbles on with no deal yet offered.
Antonio Colak - 7
In from the start. Excellent link up play.. Denied by two smart saves early on that ended in opening goal for Goldson. Looked very sharp and will provide a selection headache for the coming games. Subbed.
Subs
John Lundstram - 3
On for the final 20 minutes for Raskin.
Alfredo Morelos - 2
Late run out for the final eight plus minutes. No time to make real impact.
John Souttar - 1
A long awaited return to action in injury-time
Ianis Hagi - 1
Another appearance as he continues his return from long-term injury
Scott Arfield - 1
On as part of a triple change for the final moments at Ibrox.
READ NEXT:
- Alfredo Morelos' Rangers vs Celtic sub fury branded 'disrespectful' and 'doesn't look good'
- Ex-Rangers boss Graeme Murty 'in running' for Oxford United job in England's League One
- Fashion Sakala's Rangers howler blasted as Andy Halliday gives honest Celtic pre-match dig verdict
- Nicolas Raskin fires Rangers 'together' message after Celtic loss as he issues nine word rally cry
- Rangers 'rebuild' talk quashed as Kenny Miller tips four Michael Beale summer transfers
