There was plenty to be amused about on Sunday at Aberdeen’s expense given how the game panned out but a defender running without using his arms, what’s this all about?
Truth be told, it was a very peculiar attempt by Ylber Ramadani to reduce his chances of conceding a penalty with Scott Wright driving into the danger zone. As it was, the assist was delivered to Kemar Roofe who made no mistake in what was a very tidy finish.
Albanian international Ramadani was left looking foolish and was fortunate not to face plant onto the heavy Hampden pitch as former Pittodrie players Ryan Jack and Wright got the upper hand once again.
This form of defending does not come recommended, but have a look for yourself, below.
Relive the moment, @RangersFC fans! 🙌@roofe's goal booked a #ViaplayCup final spot for the Gers after an extra time classic with Aberdeen 🔵 pic.twitter.com/wtt4lHo67E
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 16, 2023
The 2-1 victory means an Old Firm final on 26th February to determine the winner of the League Cup, representing the first chance for Michael Beale to get his hands on silverware. Having matched and bettered Celtic for large parts of the game on 2nd January, the upcoming fixture will provide an excellent chance to strike a blow against the Parkhead team, as was the case in the Scottish Cup semi-final last season.
It is the league title which matters most of course, however gains are there to be made in the cups as was the case back in the early days of Alex McLeish’s reign when a double cup triumph in 2001/02 paved the way for a treble the following season. With both Big Eck and Beale coming into the top job at Rangers at a similar time of the year in their respective eras, the resonance of the cups is very apparent and that is the challenge that lies ahead for the current squad at the manager’s disposal.