Rangers player ratings vs St Mirren: defensive stalwart impresses as Gers overcome pre-Old Firm banana skin
Here’s how we rated the Rangers starting XI and subs in their victory over St Mirren at Ibrox.
In their last match of 2025, Rangers beat St Mirren 2-1 in the Scottish Premiership as Danny Rohl’s side overcome a pre-Old Firm banana-skin against the League Cup champions.
After an uneventful first half hour, Thelo Aasgaard’s header gave the hosts the lead through a well worked corner routine. In the second half, Emmanuel Fernandez continued his impressive goal scoring streak from defence with a right footed effort. Jack Butland saved another penalty to keep Rangers’ two goal cushion, however they were undone minutes later by a Mikael Mandron header. It was a nervy ending, but eventually the Light Blues saw the game out.
It was a welcome sight in the starting XI for Gers fans as John Souttar made his first start in six weeks after being injured on International duty. Elsewhere Mikey Moore re-entered the starting lineup as, Connor Barron and Dujon Sterling made way.
The home side had more possession in the early stages but weren’t able to create any meaningful chances, while St Mirren carried a threat on the break, especially with the physicality of Mikael Mandron and Jonah Ayunga up front. The warning signs were there when Buddies right wing-back Jayden Richardson found himself one-on-one after a Youssef Chermiti error. His shot was saved by Jack Butland however, the linesman then put his flag up for offside.
Nico Raskin had a golden opportunity to give Rangers the lead when Djeidi Gassama found him with a low cross in the 25th minute, but the Belgian mis-hit his shot wide of the target. It wasn’t the best of starts for Fernandez, who struggled at the SMISA Stadium in August against Mandron. The Rangers defender had a few nervy moments early on this evening too and was lucky to escape a booking for an early cynical tackle on Mandron.
In a game of very few chances from open play, it was a Rangers short corner routine that broke the deadlock. James Tavernier played a simple five yard pass to Jayden Meghoma from the set play to change the angle of the cross. The Brentford loanee then played an inviting ball into the box, which Thelo Aasgaard flicked into the bottom corner for his second goal in as many games.
Moments later, Mikey Moore channeled his inner Marco van Basten with a volley from a near impossible angle. Shamal George in the St Mirren goal palmed the ball onto the post, but it will be an encouraging sight for Rohl seeing his Tottenham loanee have a go from there.
Souttar had been Rangers’ best player by a mile in the first half, but almost made an error leading to a goal at the start of the second. The Light Blues defender was dispossessed and outmuscled by St Mirren’s Roland Idowu, who then played the ball across to Mandrom. The Saints striker’s first time shot was saved by Butland, who continues his rich vein of shot-stopping form.
Rangers doubled their lead through their biggest goal threat at the moment - Emmanuel Fernandez. St Mirren cleared their lines from a Gers corner but the ball ended up at the feet of Youssef Chermiti, who played a lovely clipped ball in for the Rangers defender to put through the legs of George.
Rangers brought on Barron and Max Aarons to help see the game out, allowing Gassama to stay further up the pitch. The plan almost worked instantly, as the dazzling french winger ran from his own half, passing three or four St Mirren defenders in the process. He eventually got his shot away in the box but George was equal to it after a deflection.
Fernandez went from hero to villain when he gave away a penalty for handball, giving the visitors a pathway back into the game. The Englishman was a bit unlucky as he looked to be bringing his arm back into his body but VAR John Beaton sent referee Ryan Lee to the monitor, who gave the penalty. In the absence of Mark O’Hara, Marcus Fraser stepped up, but Butland was equal to his poor spot kick.
Mandron got one back for the hosts in a goal the Gers defence won’t want to look back at in a hurry. Former Gers left back Declan John put in a wicked cross which Miguel Freckleton headed straight at Butland, however St Mirren’s french striker was alert to the rebound to set up a nail-biting finish. Despite this, Rangers were streetwise at the end, bought a few fouls and saw the game out.
Here’s how we rated the Rangers starting XI and subs against St Mirren:
Jack Butland - 7/10
A world class stop from Idowu and another penalty save. He’s responded brilliantly from his nightmare at Tynecastle nine days ago.
James Tavernier - 6/10
Solid enough. Done what he had to do and put in a few good deliveries. Won’t be happy his side let the visitors back into the game cheaply.
John Souttar - 7/10
Headed everything away, always in the right position and not afraid to put a foot in. Rohl will be happy to have his defensive stalwart back fit. The St Mirren goal came just after he was hooked for Nsiala.
Emmanuel Fernandez - 6/10
Looked like a bag of nerves in the reverse fixture and didn’t look any more comfortable here. However, he took his goal well and continues to be a threat from set pieces.
Jayden Meghoma - 6/10
Continuing his rich vein of form. Caused St Mirren all sorts of problems offensively and a lovely cross for the opener.
Nico Raskin - 6/10
Should’ve scored in the first half but looked back to his best. Interesting that he seems to perform better in the absence of Barron.
Mohamed Diomande - 6/10
Better than his past few performances and a lot more involved. He’s always a big player in Old Firms, so Rangers fans will be hoping that he’s now past his dip in form.
Thelo Aasgaard - 6/10
Just like against Motherwell, his impact in the game was limited, but he got his goal. Two from two now, I wonder what he’d give to keep the streak going on Saturday?
Djeidi Gassama - 7/10
Constant threat and finding form at just the right time before the Old Firm. Almost scored a fantastic solo effort in the second half.
Mikey Moore - 6/10
Channeled his inner Van Basten with an ambitious first half effort. Not at his best but it’s clear to see his confidence has built up leaps and bounds since the start of the season.
Youssef Chermiti - 7/10
A great assist for Fernandez’ goal and held the ball up well all night. He may still lack a striker’s instinct inside the box, but you can’t fault his efforts in the build up play.
Connor Barron - 6/10
Rested before Saturday’s Old Firm, helped see the game out well and was a calm, composed figure on the ball.
Max Aarons - 6/10
Bought a few fouls to help see out the game and looked dangerous going forward in his half hour cameo.