Rangers 3-0 Livingston: Player ratings as Gers kick off title defence with routine win

Business

Rangers secured a comfortable opening day win in the Scottish Premiership with a 3-0 victory over Livingston at Ibrox on Saturday.

It took just eight minutes for the Gers to edge ahead as last season’s Young Player of the Year Ianis Hagi controlled the ball brilliantly in the area before shifting onto his right to power the ball home.

Rangers dominated the game and created a number of half-chances, but Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek keep his side in the contest with some decent stops.

The visitors started to grow in confidence as the game wore on, but Steven Gerrard’s side put the game to bed with 12 minutes to play as substitute Scott Wright did brilliantly to arrow the ball into the far corner with the outside of his boot.

There was just time for Kemar Roofe to add a bit of gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time, netting with a typical poacher’s finish. Here’s how the home side’s players rated on the day…

James Tavernier was as dangerous as everJames Tavernier was as dangerous as ever

James Tavernier was as dangerous as ever / Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

Jon McLaughlin (GK) – 6/10 – Given next to nothing to do for the majority of the game. If we could score him ‚N/A‘ we would.

James Tavernier (RB) – 6/10 – As dangerous ever on the Rangers right and swung a number of wicked deliveries into the area. A little sloppy in possession at times but a decent start to the season.

Connor Goldson (CB) – 6/10 – Looked very comfortable at the back. Tidy in possession but not a lot more to say given his side’s dominance.

Leon Balogun (CB) – 5/10 – Not as assured in possession as his centre-back partner. A little guilty of slowing the game down by taking too many touches and it didn’t help his side’s rhythm.

Calvin Bassey (LB) – 7/10 – Superb defending whenever Livingston looked to attack down their right-hand side. Matched Tavernier’s work rate on the opposite flank and was a constant outlet.

Steven Davis bossed the midfieldSteven Davis bossed the midfield

Steven Davis bossed the midfield / Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Joe Aribo (CM) – 5/10 – Some loose touches in the final third which cost his side some clear opportunities. Plenty of hard work but not the best of performances.

Glen Kamara (CM) – 6/10 – As combative a display as we’ve become used to seeing from the Finland international.

Steven Davis (CM) – 7/10 – Constantly looked to take the ball off his backline and showed plenty of endeavour to drive forward with the ball at his feet. Produced some pinpoint long balls that helped to open up the pitch.

Ianis Hagi opened the scoringIanis Hagi opened the scoring

Ianis Hagi opened the scoring / Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

Ianis Hagi (RW) – 7/10 – Opened the scoring early on with a lovely strike. Had to be withdrawn in the first half after picking up a knock but by that point he’d already made his mark on the contest.

Fashion Sakala (ST) – 5/10 – Looked bright early on but his influence began to wane and he was brought off with 20 minutes to play having barely had a kick in the second half.

Ryan Kent (LW) – 8/10 – The former Liverpool man was a constant livewire and looked dangerous whenever he was on the ball. Always willing to run in behind and stretch the play.

Scott Wright (LW) – 8/10 – Introduced just past the half-hour mark after Hagi had to be withdrawn. Showed great work ethic and bagged a brilliant goal to put the result beyond doubt.

John Lundstram (CM) – 6/10

Kemar Roofe (ST) – 7/10