Rangers 2-0 Partick Thistle: Match Review and Ratings
It has been a somewhat frustrating start to the season at Ibrox, and after four games without a victory, who’d have thought a match with Partick Thistle would be considered a must-win?
The last minute defeat to Aberdeen at Pittodrie was a hard one to take, particularly as Rangers seemed the better side for large parts of the game. If anything, though, it was another wake-up call to what is needed now we are back in the Premiership.
The first half an hour of the game against Partick was similar to what we were used to coming up against in the Championship last season. Partick sat in and aimed to frustrate as Rangers passed the ball from side to side trying to carve an opening to goal.
A few lapses in concentration caused a few problems for us at times in the game, our defending hasn’t been a strong point all season and this was no different.
Luckily, apart from a goal line clearance being required in the second half, Partick never asked many questions.
The much-needed breakthrough came in the first half from Man of the Match Niko Kranjcar, who received the ball outside the area from Barrie McKay’s back heel and drifted left to right through the opposition defence before delivering a thunderous close-range shot into the roof of the net.
From there, the tempo seemed to pick up and we looked more confident when in control.
The second goal arrived just seven minutes after the first. Martyn Waghorn went on a good run down the left-hand side unchallenged, cutting inside and laying the ball off to Andy Halliday who rolled the ball into the net with his left foot.
The second half should have provided a third goal at least for Rangers, the best chance coming when Barrie McKay made space for himself to run into with the ball and as two of his team mates were running to meet the end of his cross, the ball evaded both of them at the back post.
After Kranjcar’s substitution in the last 15 minutes, the game seemed to lose its spark and ended boringly. That being said, it was an important three points, which we should add to in Inverness next time out.
YouTube: REACTION | Niko Kranjcar | Rangers 2-0 Partick Thistle
My player ratings for the game are below:
Wes Foderingham – 6
Our goalkeeper has been kept very busy in the previous seven games but had relatively little to do against Partick Thistle. He’s done well so far this season and he could be a crucial figure for us in coming games
James Tavernier – 6
He’s a right-back who shouldn’t really be a right-back but he managed to avoid having his positioning criticised here. Loves going forward, and he’s good when he does, but defensive duties need to come first
Phillipe Senderos – 5
The Swiss defender was called upon for the first time since his Old Firm red card and wasn’t very impressive. Made a few mistakes which could have been punished on another day and got away with a blatant elbow in the first half. Needs to do better for an experienced centre-back
Danny Wilson – 6
Has looked a very good defender when playing alongside Clint Hill in the previous few matches, but made a few silly errors during this game. Dithered on the ball at times but not a poor defensive performance
Lee Wallace – 6
Can’t recall our captain doing much defensively either, but was useful going forward in spells. Sometimes falls victim to leaving his man in space but often covered well against Partick
Andy Halliday – 7
Getting a run of games in holding midfield, and doing well in the process. Scored for the third match in a row and put in good tackles and covered well. Was the victim of a few crunching tackles but escaped unscathed
Jason Holt – 8
Glad he is back in our team. Finds the space on the pitch to make things happen and causes the opposition problems when he runs beyond the striker. Could prove to be the difference in a game when he’s back to his best
Niko Kranjcar – 9
Outstanding. For the first time in the league this season we have seen what this guy can do. An excellent goal, as well as providing some terrific passes, he finally looked like the quality player we hoped to see when he arrived
Kenny Miller – 7
Can’t fault the effort that the 36-year-old puts in every week. Surprised to see him play the whole game but put in a decent shift. Lacked the attacking presence at times
Martyn Waghorn – 7
Our top scorer put himself about and got himself an assist for the second. Isn’t a natural striker but still vital to the way we play
Barrie McKay – 7
The winger has been frustrating to watch at times this season. Looks out of form and hasn’t reached the levels he is capable of. Nice back heeled assist for the first goal and could have had another late on
Substitutes
Joe Garner – 5
Hasn’t shown he is worth £1.7m yet, but gets himself stuck in. Needs a few goals
Harry Forrester – 5
Has been our best player this season in my opinion, but has found himself in and out of the team. Came on and tried to make things happen
Joe Dodoo – 6
Good to see him return from injury. Looked confident when on the attack and almost created a goal. Need to see more of him
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