Joe Aribo stunner lifts patchy Rangers past Livingston in GvB’s first league game in charge

The Nigerian international was superb for the Gers in the new manager’s first league game in charge

Rangers overcame a patchy performance as Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield helped the Gers record a 3-1 away win at Livingston in a Scottish Premiership clash on Tony Macaroni Arena.

With Leon Balogun out injured, new Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst named Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey at centre-half with Aribo lined up in midfield alongside Kamara and Arfield.

And it was the Canadian international who broke the deadlock for the visitors eight minutes in when he latched on to a superb ball over the top of the defence from James Tavernier before he left goalkeeper Max Stryjek stranded with a deft chip.

If that goal was pretty, Aribo’s effort to double Rangers’ advantage shortly after had fans speechless.

The Super Eagles midfielder steadied himself to receive an Alfredo Morelos flick-on before clipping a first-time left-foot curler over goalkeeper Stryjek and in off the bar.

That delightful strike was Aribo’s fourth of the campaign and his second in as many league matches for the reigning champions following from his fine strike in the 4-2 defeat of Ross County before the international break.

But Rangers took their foot off the gas, allowing Livingston to grow into the encounter. And it was no surprise when the home side reduced the deficit on the half-hour mark through Bruce Anderson.

That Anderson effort is the 14th goal Rangers have conceded in 14 Premiership games, one more goal than they shipped in the whole of last term.

And the Gers had goalkeeper Allan MacGregor, who made a couple of brilliant saves, to thank for keeping them in front at the break.

The Gers, however, rediscovered their groove after the interval, and Aribo came close to grabbing his brace, but Stryjek pulled off a great save to stop the 25-year-old’s powerful, rising drive from 18 yards.

But the champions could be not denied as Fashion Sankala came off the bench to net the visitors’ third of the afternoon and seal all the three points at stake.