Rangers bounced back from a heartbreaking and controversial penalty shootout defeat in the League Cup final by securing a vital 1-0 victory over Dundee on Saturday afternoon. The result saw Philippe Clement‘s side move into second place in the Scottish Premiership, leapfrogging Aberdeen. Vaclav Cerny’s solitary strike shortly after the restart was the difference between the two teams, although Rangers could have added to their lead but failed to convert other opportunities.
The match provided a much-needed morale boost for Rangers following their demoralising loss to Celtic. Despite the defeat, Rangers had shown resilience, but the first half of their game against Dundee was a struggle. The team dominated possession and piled on the pressure but failed to find a breakthrough. However, an improved performance after the break ensured that the team secured three important points.
In this article, we will analyze the player ratings from the match and evaluate how each individual contributed to Rangers’ hard-fought victory.
Rangers 1-0 Dundee: Match Overview
Rangers entered this match under the cloud of last week’s disappointing League Cup final loss to Celtic, a defeat that left a bitter taste in the mouth of everyone at the club. Despite this setback, Philippe Clement’s team had to refocus on the league, and their first-half performance was a mixed bag.
The team was dominant in terms of possession, controlling over 80% of the ball, but they struggled to break down Dundee’s defensive setup. The visitors registered more than 10 shots in the opening 45 minutes but were only able to force veteran goalkeeper Trevor Carson into two relatively routine saves.
However, a change in approach after halftime quickly paid off. Vaclav Cerny, the forward who had been at the center of a controversy involving a non-penalty decision earlier this season, took advantage of a moment of confusion in the Dundee defense. Within a minute of the restart, he raced clear of the defense, rounded Carson, and slotted home from a tight angle to give Rangers a deserved lead.
Despite creating several more chances, Rangers couldn’t add a second goal. Nonetheless, the solitary strike was enough to secure all three points and move Rangers into second place in the league standings, temporarily overtaking Aberdeen.
While the victory was a boost, the large gap to league leaders Celtic (eight points) remains a pressing concern for Clement’s side.
Player Ratings: Rangers vs Dundee
The following player ratings are based on the performance of the Rangers players during the match, providing insight into who stood out and who still has room for improvement.
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| GK: Liam Kelly | 7.7/10 |
| RB: James Tavernier | 8.4/10 |
| CB: Dujon Sterling | 7.7/10 |
| CB: Robin Propper | 7.9/10 |
| LB: Jefte | 7.3/10 |
| CM: Nicolas Raskin | 7.9/10 |
| CM: Mohamed Diomande | 7.6/10 |
| CM: Ianis Hagi | 7.9/10 |
| RW: Vaclav Cerny | 8.0/10 |
| ST: Hamza Igamane | 6.9/10 |
| LW: Danilo | 7.5/10 |
| SUB: Nedim Bajrami (62′ for Danilo) | 6.9/10 |
| SUB: Ross McCausland (75′ for Cerny) | 6.5/10 |
| SUB: Ridvan Yilmaz (84′ for Hagi) | N/A |
| SUB: Cyriel Dessers (84′ for Igamane) | N/A |
| Subs not used | Jack Butland (GK), Leon Balogun, Connor Barron, Kieran Dowell, Oscar Cortes |
Liam Kelly (GK) – 7.7/10
Liam Kelly was not overly tested in this match, as Dundee struggled to create meaningful chances. However, he was solid when called upon, making a couple of comfortable saves. His distribution was accurate, helping his side maintain control throughout the match. Kelly’s performance was steady, and while he wasn’t required to make spectacular saves, he did his job well in keeping a clean sheet.
James Tavernier (RB) – 8.4/10
James Tavernier was arguably the standout performer for Rangers in this match. His defensive work was solid, and he was heavily involved in the attack, providing width and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. Tavernier’s leadership on the field was also key, as he pushed his teammates forward and played an essential role in orchestrating Rangers‘ offensive play. His performance earned him the “Player of the Match” accolade, as his contributions were vital to securing the win.
Dujon Sterling (CB) – 7.7/10
Dujon Sterling had a composed performance at the back for Rangers. While Dundee did not create many opportunities, Sterling was there to help snuff out any danger that came his way. His positioning and composure under pressure were key as he partnered well with Robin Propper in central defense. While he was not overly tested, he was efficient and played a solid part in keeping the defense organized.
Robin Propper (CB) – 7.9/10
Robin Propper had a strong game in defense, ensuring that Dundee’s attacking threats were kept at bay. He was a solid presence in the air and read the game well, intercepting passes and making crucial tackles. Propper’s defensive stability was crucial in ensuring Rangers kept a clean sheet in a game that saw them dominate possession.
Jefte (LB) – 7.3/10
Jefte had a mixed game, showing promise going forward but also facing challenges defensively. While he supported the attack well, there were times when he was caught out of position, allowing Dundee to briefly threaten on the counter. His performance was competent, but there is certainly room for improvement, especially in his defensive positioning.
Nicolas Raskin (CM) – 7.9/10
Nicolas Raskin worked tirelessly in midfield, providing the necessary balance between attack and defense. He was a key presence in Rangers’ buildup play and looked to dictate the tempo of the game. His passing was crisp and effective, and he contributed defensively when required. Raskin’s performance was efficient, and he continues to show his value in the center of the park.
Mohamed Diomande (CM) – 7.6/10
Mohamed Diomande put in a solid shift in midfield, covering a lot of ground and helping to break up Dundee’s rare attacks. His work ethic was clear, as he tirelessly worked to win the ball back and get the team moving forward. While he wasn’t as prominent in attack, his defensive contributions were vital in maintaining control of the game.
Ianis Hagi (CM) – 7.9/10
Ianis Hagi had a quietly effective game, contributing both in attack and defense. His creativity and vision were key in unlocking the Dundee defense, and he looked to link up with the forwards. Hagi’s ability to maintain possession and make incisive passes allowed Rangers to control the flow of the game. His substitution late on was likely precautionary as the game was well in hand.
Vaclav Cerny (RW) – 8.0/10
Vaclav Cerny scored the only goal of the match, making a decisive contribution early in the second half. His pace and awareness were crucial in finding the space behind Dundee’s defense. After rounding the goalkeeper, Cerny showed composure to slot the ball into the net. His overall performance was impressive, and he could have had more goals had he taken his other chances. His work rate and movement off the ball were also key factors in Rangers’ attacking play.
Hamza Igamane (ST) – 6.9/10
Hamza Igamane worked hard in his role as the central striker, but he was unable to find the back of the net despite some good opportunities. He was involved in the buildup play and showed promise, but his finishing was not as sharp as it could have been. Igamane’s movement off the ball and link-up play were solid, but he’ll be disappointed not to have scored in this game.
Danilo (LW) – 7.5/10
Danilo had an active game, contributing to both the attack and the defense. He looked to get in behind the Dundee defense and create chances, but his final ball or decision-making wasn’t always on point. His energy and work rate were commendable, and he played an important role in maintaining the pressure on Dundee’s defense.
Substitutes
- Nedim Bajrami (62′ for Danilo) – 6.9/10
Bajrami had a solid impact off the bench, helping maintain Rangers’ control over the match and contributing defensively when required. - Ross McCausland (75′ for Cerny) – 6.5/10
McCausland’s cameo was brief, but he offered fresh legs and energy as Rangers looked to secure the win. - Ridvan Yilmaz (84′ for Hagi) – N/A
Yilmaz’s substitution came late, and he had little time to make a significant impact. - Cyriel Dessers (84′ for Igamane) – N/A
Dessers entered late in the game, but there was little opportunity for him to influence proceedings.
Conclusion: A Necessary Win for Rangers
Rangers’ 1-0 victory over Dundee was a much-needed response after their defeat to Celtic in the League Cup final. While the first half showed signs of struggle, the team regrouped after the break and executed a strong second-half performance, highlighted by Cerny’s winning goal. James Tavernier’s exceptional performance was a standout, but Rangers will need to be more clinical in future games if they are to make up ground on Celtic. With this victory, Rangers have moved back into second place, but they know the road ahead will be challenging.
