Ibrox view: 3/10 new man rubbish, MOTM 8/10 - Rangers ratings v Dynamo Kyiv

Rangers were beaten 2-0 by Dynamo Kyiv on a controversial night at Hampden Park to end their Champions League hopes.

A relatively tight opening 45 minutes saw few clear-cut chances as Ross McCausland under hit a tame shot when played in by Cyriel Dessers.

Jefte was controversially sent off just after the break for the second of two soft yellows to put the Light Blues under pressure, but they still arguably had the better of the action and could have had a penalty when a hand blocked Dessers’ effort.

The Gers’ injustice was complete as Oleksandr Pikhalyonok fired low into the corner in the 82nd minute, and Nazar Voloshyn smashed in a second moments later to settle the game.

Here, Ibrox News rates the Rangers players out of 10 for their performances at Hampden Park.

Jack Butland – 5

Barely involved before the half. Probably will be disappointed to have let the first goal in at the near post from distance but given no chance for the second. Produced his best save in stoppage time to dig himself out of a major error caused by a poor clearance.

James Tavernier – 6

Similar story as every game so far. Decent going forward but leaves the side open defensively. First major chance for the visitors came after he was beaten down the wing but produced some fine crossing as usual.

John Souttar – 8 – Man of the Match

Strong performance defensively and on the ball but booted Popov in the head with a clearance which might have risked a penalty. Excellent block just inside the hour as the 10 men came under increasing pressure. Held the rearguard action together as best he could until things fell apart late on. Outperformed key signing Propper next to him.

Robin Propper – 3

Worrying. Less of a dramatic game than his debut against Motherwell but left chasing the game all too often and really doesn’t look settled yet. Not especially encouraging when Rangers centre-back signings have often followed that pattern in recent seasons. Appeared to have been moved into attack to chase the game but offered nothing there either.

Ridvan Yilmaz stretchered off injured in blow to Philippe Clement

Ridvan Yilmaz (off for Davies’ 77) – 6

Major blow as the Turk was hit by another injury to surely rule out a transfer exit. Reasonable outing in defence and attack before he was stretchered off in tears late on after appearing to hurt his thigh when firing a shot at goal.

Connor Barron – 7

Combative but slightly overeager in the first half as he committed a few fouls. Combined well with teammates on the ball. Run into the ground after the sending off.

Mohamed Diomande (off for Sterling ’67) – 6

Dynamic on the ball in the middle in the early exchanges. Saw his task get harder and harder as the game went on with Rangers outnumbered. Should have done better when Dessers played him into the box after the hour.

Ross McCausland (off for Cerny ’46) – 7

Had a big responsibility after replacing star turn Cerny from the weekend but was a decent threat down the right, combing well with Tavernier and others. Should have done better with a weak shot in the first-half when played in by Dessers in what proved to be his key moment.

Rangers lose Jefte to hugely-controversial red card

Tom Lawrence (off for Matondo ’85) – 5

Not good enough. As so often the Welshman made a positive start but then disappeared as the game went on. Good in the opening exchanges to create a couple of half-chances for Dessers but got the ball caught under his feet in a crucial position midway through the half and soon faded from prominence.

Jefte – 7

Hugely-unfortunate as two soft bookings saw him sent off. Looks a very positive signing, even out of position. Energetic and positive as he looked to play forward whenever he got the opportunity. Challenged for a header and was sent off for a second yellow which VAR couldn’t intervene on when it was hardly even a foul.

Cyriel Dessers – 7

Good link-up play when he dropped deeper and when used as a target man, but his touch deserted him when faced with chances of his own in more dangerous areas. Played McCausland and Diomande in either half but his teammates didn’t take advantage.

Substitutions

Vaclav Cerny (on for McCausland ’46) – 7

Clement was told by the medical department the Wolfsburg couldn’t start two games in a row but he was missed in a tight first half. Only got a couple of chances to show his clear quality with his side forced into a defensive shape.

Dujon Sterling (on for Diomande ’67) – 5

His form off the bench this term is starting to become a concern. He is arguably the best all-round player in the squad but he was again off the pace when introduced. Allowed the shot to be taken for the opener.

Ben Davies (on for Yilmaz ’77) – 5

On a hiding to nothing when introduced at left-back after Yilmaz’s injury but was way out of position for the second Kyiv goal on the counter.

Rabbi Matondo (on for Lawrence ‘ 85) – 5

Too late to have any real impact.

In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart had an “absolutely outrageous” reaction after he was mocked during a Light Blues transfer claim.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Ibrox view: 3/10 new man rubbish, MOTM 8/10 - Rangers ratings v Dynamo Kyiv appeared first on Ibrox News.