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Glasgow Live
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Ryan Thom

Rangers player ratings v Celtic as Morelos return reviewed while McLaughlin has derby to forget

Rangers fell to a crushing 4-0 Old Firm defeat in the first derby of the season as Celtic stretched the gap at the top to five points.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men were second best throughout the duel with their arch rivals as Ange Postecoglou's men swept past the Light Blues. A brace from Liel Abada was sandwiched in-between a stunning lob from Jota before a horror pass out from Jon McLaughlin saw David Turnbull complete a humiliating day for the blue half of Glasgow.

Rangers were slow to react to Celtic's relentless approach with new signings Antonio Colak and Malik Tillman struggling with the pace. Quick fire set pieces from the Hoops caught the defence cold.

READ MORE: Rangers haven't replaced surprise player as Kris Boyd sends 'fingers burned' Aaron Ramsey message

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Up the other end Rangers failed to create much, with late attempts dealt with by Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart for what would have been merely a consolation.

The Light Blues rung the changes into the second 45 but not even the return of previous outcast Alfredo Morelos could salvage anything Rangers performed heroics in Eindhoven two weeks ago to claim their place in the Champions League but were well below par here. Here is how we rated van Bronckhorst's met on a sobering derby day.

Jon McLaughlin - 3

The Rangers goalkeeper has staked his claim this season as the new number 1 at Ibrox but today was a howler.

It could be argued he may have performed better at all four goals. The stopper failed to get a strong hand to Liel Abda's first goal and the Israeli winger's second pass through his legs. He left space for Jota's stunning chip and to cap off a horror day his pass out went straight to David Turnbull for Celtic's fourth.

James Tavernier - 4

The Rangers captain was given a torrid time by Jota. He failed to react to stop the cross for Celtic's first. Going forward the skipper was tame and made poor decisions when Rangers had the ball.

Connor Goldson - 5

For Rangers to get anything today they needed a big performance from their experienced CB but Goldson fell short of the mark. Booked for hacking down Maeda in the second half.

James Sands - 4

The debate over James Sands as a CB will continue long after this game. His heroic performance against PSV was lauded by pundits before today's derby clash. But his passing range from the back today was slack and like Goldson failed to snuff out Celtic's main threats

Borna Barisic - 6

Arguably the Light Blues best performer on the day. Produced Rangers best moment of the first half by pinging in a trademark cross for fellow countrymen Colak. Continued to deliver balls into the box with no takers.

John Lundstram - 5

Rangers defensive midfield had a hard task stopping free flowing Celtic with Matt O'Riley bossing the game. Was snuffed on by Celtic's midfield players.

Steven Davis - 5

Similar to Lundstram. The Northern Irishman struggled to get any passing going as Celtic pressed/

Glen Kamara - 5

Made some positive runs and interceptions but wasn't positive enough with his final pass. Slowed the game down at times. Subbed at half time.

Ryan Kent - 4

A player who normally thrives on derby day struggled to make any real impact in the game. Kept losing the ball and cutting back rather driving forward. Rangers needed a big performance from Kent and the wide man didn't deliver.

Malik Tillman - 4

A day to forget for the on-loan Bayern Munich midfielder. Allowed the game to pass him by, poor decision making on the ball.

Antonio Colak - 4

Poor day for the in-form striker who struggled to get a foothold. Was starved of proper service and when his chance game he flashed his header wide. Subbed for Morelos on the 60th minute.

Scott Wright - 4

Came on at half time for Kamara to inject some pace into Rangers play. Struggled to get in the game.

Alfredo Morelos - 5

An underwhelming comeback from exile for the Colombian striker who came on as a sub for fellow striker Colak. Used his physical presence to get through on goal but missed the target. Dealt with easily by the Celtic defence.

Scott Arfield - 4

Came on to replace Tillman on 60 minutes. Offered very little going forward, struggled to get into the game.

Ryan Jack - 3

Came on to replace Lundstram in the 78th minute, game was done.

Fashion Sakala - 3

Another late sub made to replace Kent.

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