Rangers player ratings vs Falkirk as dazzling midfield 8/10 steals the show in bonkers nine-goal thriller
Here’s how Danny Rohl’s starting XI and subs rated in their victory over Falkirk
Rangers survived an early scare to beat Falkirk 6-3 on the road and in turn keep pace with their title rivals.
After Hearts and Celtic both won ugly on Saturday, this match was in the must-win category for Danny Rohl, whose side delivered despite going two goals down in the first half. The win means Rangers still trail the league leaders by a single point and stay two ahead of their Old Firm rivals going into the split.
Rangers got off to the worst possible start at the Falkirk Stadium as Ben Broggio and Finn Yeats struck early for the hosts but were given a ray of hope through Tochi Chukwuani just before half time. In a manic 15 minutes, Youssef Chermiti, Nico Raskin and Bojan Miovski turned the game on its head in favour of the visitors. Calvin Miller converted from the spot to give Falkirk a lifeline but Chermiti and Miovski both doubled their tallies to seal the win.
Falkirk may have a Scottish Cup semi final to contend with next weekend but were downing no tools against the Light Blues. The hosts came out of the traps flying as Broggio opened the scoring after a catalogue of errors from the Rangers defence. Barney Stewart, who was a thorn in the side of Nasser Djiga all afternoon, regained possession in the final third as the ball fell into the path of Miller. The Bairns winger found Broggio with a cross as he then showed exemplary composure to strike the ball past Jack Butland into the bottom right corner.
Chermiti had the opportunity to respond when he got on the end of an inviting deep free kick from Thelo Aasgaard, however the Rangers forward blazed over the bar from 10 yards out. Had it went in, perhaps it would’ve been chalked off by VAR for offside, but nevertheless, it was a chance the Rangers number nine should be converting. Things went from bad to worse for the visitors when a deflected cross from Dylan Tait ran into the path of Yeats on the edge of the box, who thundered the ball past Butland to double Falkirk’s advantage. Rangers’ sheepish start was now reflected on the scoreboard.
Chukwuani gave the visitors a glimmer of hope on the cusp of half time when he took advantage of the Falkirk defence being guilty of not playing to the whistle. Raskin’s left footed cross looked as if it may have ventured out of play in the blustery conditions. The Bairns stopped dead as Djeidi Gassama’s looping header cannoned off the upright into the path of the Danish midfielder, who struck it home. An unorthodox lifeline for Rohl’s men before the break.
Rohl brought on Miovski for the second half as the Gers searched for an equaliser. It was however his strike partner who levelled the scoring. Gassama moved to the left after Mikey Moore made way and showed great perseverance down the flank after winning a 50/50 with Keelan Adams. He then found Chermiti in the box for a tap-in as the Gers came out from the break flying.
With momentum now in their favour, Rangers then took the lead through Raskin. The Belgian was played through by Aasgaard in what was a perfectly weighted assist. He struck the ball past Scott Bain before running into the away end to celebrate with the rejuvenated travelling support.
Six minutes later, substitute Miovski gave the Light Blues a healthy cushion when he got on the end of Raskin’s cross from the left hand side. The Macedonian had to improvise from six yards out as the ball appeared to hit off his thigh. Either way, it went past Bain into the net to make it 4-2. Whatever Rohl said at half time was working wonders.
Captain James Tavernier then allowed the Bairns to get back in the game when he fouled Filip Lissah in the penalty area in what was a needless foul. Miller converted from 12 yards to give the hosts a way back into the game. Moments later, the Falkirk winger then fired the ball just wide of the post as Rangers survived another scare.
Chermiti kiboshed any potential Bairns comeback as he put the game to bed in the 74th minute with his 11th of the season. Once again, Raskin was involved as he won possession in Rangers’ half to start an attack. After a nice move, the ball found its way to Gassama on the left hand side, who cut in and saw his shot blocked into the path of Chermiti, who scored his second.
Miovski then bagged a brace himself as he got on the end of an Oliver Antman cross in the six yard box. The substitutes combined to cap off the ninth and final goal of a bonkers afternoon at the Falkirk Stadium, adding to Rangers’ goal difference in the title race.
Jack Butland - 6/10
Couldn’t do a great deal about the Falkirk goals. Showed great distribution and swept up on occasions when the ball beat the defence.
James Tavernier - 5/10
Needless penalty gave Falkirk a way back into the game. Not what you’d expect from the experienced skipper.
Nasser Djiga - 6/10
Struggled early on with the physicality of Stewart but settled into the game as it went on.
Emmanuel Fernandez - 6/10
None of the defenders covered themselves in glory conceding three goals. The Nigerian wasn’t at his best but didn’t have to be.
Jayden Meghoma - 5/10
Early yellow had him walking on eggshells all afternoon and was caught sleeping for Broggio’s opener.
Tochi Chukwuani - 7/10
Took his goal well which proved vital in the context of the game. Was dogged in the midfield when he had to be.
Nico Raskin - 8/10
Huge involvement in four of the six goals. Covered every blade of the artificial grass. His attacking prowess could perhaps see him playing higher up the pitch from here on in.
Thelo Aasgaard - 7/10
Continuing his redemption arc. Superb assist for Raskin’s goal to put Rangers in the lead. A better all round display from the Norwegian.
Djeidi Gassama - 7/10
Looked so much more comfortable on the left after Moore went off. Played a part in three of the goals. A constant thorn in the side of the Falkirk defence.
Mikey Moore - 5/10
Was a doubt pre-match due to injury concerns and looked to be still nursing something. Taken off for Miovski at half time.
Youssef Chermiti - 8/10
Probably should’ve had a hat trick given his early miss but a good overall performance from the number nine, who proved he can score against teams that aren’t Celtic or Hearts.
Bojan Miovski - 8/10
Two fox in the box-type goals. Exactly what Rangers signed him to do. Shades of the Miovski we saw during his time at Aberdeen.
Max Aarons - 5/10
Made a ‘good foul’ after coming on in the 70th minute for Meghoma. Perhaps the streetwise style Rangers will benefit from in the title race.
Connor Barron - 5/10
Came on to help see the game out. Was dogged in midfield and composed on the ball.
Oliver Antman - 6/10
An assist at the death will do wonders for the Finn’s confidence.