The 4th Official
·12 February 2023
The 4th Official
·12 February 2023
Rangers boss Michael Beale made some changes in the starting lineup before clashing heads with Partick Thistle in this afternoon’s Scottish Cup 5th Round encounter. However, the outing at Ibrox produced a series of dramatic events before finishing 3-2 in favour of the reigning champions.
A shocking VAR call resulted in the visitors’ lead from the spot. Ever-reliable James Tavernier’s wasted a penalty, but the sportsmanship depicted by Beale earned a lot of appreciation from the travelling fans. He allowed the Jags to score an equalizer following Malik Tillman’s goal in controversial circumstances. James Sands, who has been sporadic of late, scored the crucial late winner to seal a place in the quarter-finals.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 3-2 win against Partick Thistle.
Allan McGregor: 6.5
Could have done little to stop Kevin Holt’s spot-kick. Also allowed Scott Tiffoney an equalizer following Beale’s instruction. Made a couple of decent saves early into the game.
James Tavernier: 6.5
A rare miss from the skipper whose penalty was denied by Jamie Sneddon. Created a few chances down the right and exhibited his attacking intent with overlapping runs, crosses and passes into the final third.
James Sands: 7.5
A surprise start for the versatile USMNT star who operated as a centre-half in place of Connor Goldson. Looked nervy at times in the heart of the backline, but he made all the difference by scoring the winning goal in the closing moments of the match.
Ben Davies: 7
Showed his calmness and composure while playing it out from the back. Had a header saved at the back minutes after Tiffoney’s goal.
Borna Barisic: 7.5
Made a crucial impact once again as his corner was headed home by Sands. Was lively from the left and the arrival of Kent allowed him more space while whipping in crosses.
Nicolas Raskin: 8.5
Was excellent on his first start in the Rangers’ colours. Set it up perfectly for Colak who made no mistake to find the equalizer. Threatened time and again with his through balls, runs and link-up play. Was taken off for Ryan Jack late in the contest.
Glen Kamara: 7
Did his best to calm things down in the centre of the pitch. Carried the ball forward from the deep as he pulled the strings with his vision and technicality.
Antonio Colak
Ianis Hagi: 6
Sent a header wide midway through the first half. Had little impact ever since and was taken off for Ryan Kent at half-time.
Malik Tillman: 7.5
Forced Sneddon to make a majestic save. Added one more goal to his tally which, however, is not the nicest one to have given the circumstances. Was impressive overall with his movement and creative spark.
Todd Cantwell: 6.5
Combined well with Hagi and Tillman early into the game. Was replaced by Kemar Roofe at half-time to add more directness.
Antonio Colak: 8
Was unfortunate to concede a penalty that led to the Partick Thistle opener. However, the Croatian’s powerful header brought the Gers back into the game. Was denied by Sneddon moments later. Was taken off for Alfredo Morelos in the dying minutes of the game.
Kemar Roofe: 7
A boost for the Light Blues as the Jamaica international returned to action following another brief injury layoff.
Ryan Kent: 7
Added more firepower high up the pitch with his pace, flair and finesse.
Alfredo Morelos: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.