Rangers player ratings v Aberdeen as Sakala sends van…

Rangers player ratings v Aberdeen as Sakala sends van Bronckhorst a message but injury curse hits

Rangers coasted to a 4-1 win in their crucial Premiership match with Aberdeen.

It was a horror start for the Light Blues as Ridvan Yilmaz hobbled off injured, before Connor Barron fired the away side in front after manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst watched his defence inexplicably freeze. Antonio Colak managed to get them level soon after but Fashion Sakala missed two big chances either side of the goals in the first half that could have made this more comfortable.

Trailing Celtic by four points in the title race and losing five in a row during their Champions League group, the atmosphere inside Ibrox appeared hostile at times as pressure mounts on the manager. John Lundstram brought some joy by putting the hosts ahead before the break and James Tavernier finished off the job, with his penalty miss not enough to dampen spirits as the club went one point behind Celtic ahead of their game against Livingston. Here is how we rated the Rangers players at Ibrox.

Allan McGregor - 6

Not a lot to do in terms of saves. Could have commanded his box better from a couple corners but other than a pretty routine day

James Tavernier - 8

Better from the captain. Was partly a fault for the Dons goal as he stood still alongside teammates but made a skipper's contribution at the other end. Missed a penalty but seemed like his old self in the second half.

Ben Davies - 6

Another of the defence who froze to gift Aberdeen the lead. Played a huge role in Lundstram's goal but mysteriously subbed at half-time. They'll hope it wasn't injury-related

Leon King - 6

Got ran ragged at the goal in a major learning experience. But recovered well and made a huge block in the first half that denied Aberdeen a certain goalscoring opportunity.

Ridvan Yilmaz - 3

An absolute sickener for the left-back. Has impressed upon being given his chances but injury has struck him. It seems a curse, with Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Filip Helander, Ianis Hagi and Kemar Roofe all crocked.

John Lundstram - 7

A real goal threat recently for the Light Blues. Netted last week against Livingston and was in the right place once more to score here. Tenacious in the middle.

James Sands - 7

Built the platform from which Rangers launched into life. Calm and composed in midfield and brought that into defence with his side in a strong position. Good response.

Malik Tillman - 7

Grabbed an assist to help Rangers get themselves asserted in this match. Took up really good positions at times to create space. Inconsistency still there but to be expected from a youngster.

Fashion Sakala- 8

A really positive showing from the Zambian. End product was lacking and he really should have had at least one goal, but there was no end of effort and his pace was hard for his opponents to handle. Showed his boss he can be a starter.

Ryan Kent- 6

Started in a more positive manner but faded out of the game and only came back into it in glimpses. A lot to prove.

Antonio Colak - 7

Back amongst the goals. A focal point for the team to play off when it got into the final third.

Borna Barisic - 7

Fantastic cross for Tavernier's goal. Again there are times when he switches off but when mostly on form throughout a match, Barisic is a very handy player. Has to do it more often.