Ibrox View: 3/10 oaf survives catastrophe, 10/10 MOTM absolutely amazing - Rangers player ratings v FCSB

Vaclav Cerny was outstanding as he inspired Rangers to a crucial 4-0 victory over FCSB in the Europa League to relieve some pressure on Philippe Clement.

Jack Butland was spared a catastrophic start when he was caught in possession to concede but rescued by a phantom foul call, and the Gers took full advantage to open the scoring in the 10th minute as Cerny did well down the right and cut back for Tom Lawrence to scuff home from the edge of the box.

Cerny doubled the lead after half an hour with an excellent individual goal, seizing on a loose ball to curl a lovely finish in from just outside the area, and it was Cerny again in the 55th minute when the Wolfsburg loanee ran half the length of the pitch, cut in from the right and passed his second into the corner to make the game safe.

Hamza Igamane scored his first for the Light Blues on 71 minutes, firing into the far corner after Connor Barron won the ball, and there was time for a late appearance from Zak Lovelace.

Here, Ibrox News rates the Light Blues players out of 10 for their performances at Ibrox.

Jack Butland – 3

Appalling start as he took too many touches and was caught in possession by David Misculescu. Extremely lucky to get a free kick to save him and his side. Going behind in such fashion after two minutes could have been disastrous for Clement in the circumstances. Responded to make one important save midway through the half but it’s hard to understate how unwelcome the start he delivered would have been, and how fortunate he was to escape.

James Tavernier – 7

Better. Forward often from early on as he looked to replicate his goal-scoring wonders of three years ago in the competition, and played a part in the build-up to the opener, but booked for clattering into the keeper midway through the half. Blasted a long-range effort just over early in the second half as a flicker of his attacking best emerged. Couple of important defensive touches.

Leon Balogun (off for Propper ’68) – 5

Odd night. Appeared sightly uncertain during the opening minutes but was spared being needed for much of anything as Rangers took control. Clumsy after the break and then went off with an apparent knock.

John Souttar – 5

Hardly tested by the visitors but didn’t look especially assured when he was involved, after being at fault for Marley Watkins’ late winner for Kilmarnock. Tried to overcomplicate matters by driving out of defence and diving when challenged to give FCSB a rare opening with the game under control. Drew rave reviews during the international break and needs to get back to that as quickly as possible.

Nico Raskin and Connor Barron strong pairing for Philippe Clement

Jefte – 7

Solid all-round game. Busy work in the first half covering across the back and snapping into challenges up the left flank.

Connor Barron – 8

Strong performance. Energetic work disrupting opponents and eager to get forward throughout. Caught in possession on a few occasions and dragged one inviting opportunity badly wide in the first half. But won the ball back numerous times, creating Igamane’s goal in the process. Had a rough night in the previous European match against Lyon but bounced back in a big way here.

Nico Raskin – 8

Very encouraging. A welcome return to the sort of form that hasn’t been seen for months. Important early role as he helped get the fans back on board after Butland’s escape in a purposeful start, as his long-range shot started the period that saw Rangers take control. Sharp work in a defensive sense as well. Clement’s side looked much more balanced with his defensive positioning in play.

Vaclav Cerny (off for Kasanwirjo ’74) – Man of the Match – 10

Superb. Such an important performance for his manager. Exactly what the under-pressures Gers needed to lift them with the sort of performance he was signed for. Looked locked onto the task from the off and absolutely delivered with a crucial early assist, driving in off the right flank to find Lawrence in space, before he scored the second himself and capped the night off with a third. The Czech has not had a happy time in the Europa League so far this term, but he came up with the perfect response to put his side in control on a night which could have been extremely uncomfortable otherwise.

Tom Lawrence scores Rangers opener in bruising half

Tom Lawrence (off for Diomande ’46) – 7

Decent showing. Scored his fifth of the season to settle some early nerves, even if his finish looked fortunate to make it into the net via the keeper and the post. Largely spent the rest of the half being fouled but continued to get into good positions even as he was halted illegally time after time, with the last one just before half time injuring him and forcing him off at the break.

Nedim Bajrami (off for Lovelace ’74) – 6

Not his best game but no major issues. Played his part in the improved attacking performance but the high tempo, which has so often been lacking in this Rangers side, saw him slightly left behind at times.

Cyriel Dessers (off for Igamane ’55) – 5

Unhappy night for the striker. A yard short in the early exchanges and hesitant when in dangerous positions. Received treatment for what appeared to be a poke in the eye in the second half and went off immediately after the third goal, heading straight down the tunnel looking extremely upset and gesturing at his face.

Hamza Igamane scores his first goal for Rangers

Substitutions

Mohamed Diomande (on for Lawrence ’46) – 7

Solid half to continue the good work that had been done before his introduction. Nice touch to free Cerny into acres of space down the right for his second and looked more comfortable with Raskin behind him.

Hamza Igamane (on for Dessers ’57) – 7

Crucial breakthrough to score his first for the club. Looked like he might have taken too long as he drove into the FCSB box, but then fired a nice finish into the corner. Clearly took confidence from it and went close again. Will look to kick on and challenge Dessers for his spot.

Robin Propper (on for Balogun ’68) – 4

Poor. Hardly looked imposing in the little defensive work he was called upon to do and sloppy in possession. Slack ball got Barron booked when he gave it away in a dangerous area late on. Jury is very much still out on the former FC Twente captain.

Neraysho Kasanwirjo (on for Cerny ’74) – 6

Relatively comfortable late cameo without anything that particularly stuck out.

Zak Lovelace (on for Bajrami ’74) – 6

Welcome to see the youngster get a run out even if his impact on the game wasn’t extensive.

In other Rangers news, a pundit has been left shocked by something he’s never seen before at the club which he thinks is “madness”.

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