Rangers News

Three goals, three points but familiar problems for Rangers

|
Image for Three goals, three points but familiar problems for Rangers

On Saturday, Rangers recorded a convincing win over Kilmarnock but the apparent feeling when leaving Ibrox was one of indifference.

A very positive first half was followed by a pedestrian, sluggish second half in which the visitors almost found a way back into the contest but control was firmly established into the closing stages.

From the outset of the game, the verve and energy in Rangers’ midfield meant a fast start for the hosts. The quality from Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin playing behind Ryan Jack made the Hampden selection from Michael Beale even more baffling. That will linger until the next big test is passed.

The match was over, put beyond doubt by half time. In a rare display of a clinical edge from the Gers, strikes by Connor Goldson after a smart set-piece, Fashion Sakala and finally, a James Tavernier penalty put a deserved gloss on the half-time score.

All of that came after a protest led by the Union Bears, who banners criticised the football club board for the recent lack of success at the club and a failure to build a legacy for the club’s 55th title. It was well received by the applause around the stadium. That feeling is one which surrounds the club just now, reverberating around different elements of the fan base.

Those in power upstairs at Ibrox will need to respond eventually, but it is managing director Stewart Robertson and sporting director Ross Wilson in the eye of the storm. That situation is one to watch.

The second half brought a malaise on the pitch, as the players failed to kick on and replicate the play from the first half. Suddenly, the energy and flow became a sloppy procession, littered with unforced errors. Kilmarnock pulled one back around the hour mark from a goal that should never have stood resulting in an edgy next five minutes or so.

Calm and control was restored soon after with the introduction of John Lundstram who made a positive impact for Rangers. The closing stages were much better and the three points secure.

Overall, it should have been a day to remember an excellent first half show but instead, it was the protests and the bitter feeling of disappointment from the League Cup failure as well as the seemingly forlorn title chase – elusive success – that resonates.

Share this article

0 comments

  • William Laing says:

    Robertson and Wilson have got to be the targets as they are employees , the others that get criticised are major share holders and they won`t be changed unless someone comes up with the money to buy them out . I don`t pay much attention to Robertsons role whatever it is but Wilson has failed miserably and should have been sacked at the same time as GVB .The board get criticised for not spending but they have spent millions and to the most part it has been wasted by Wilson . 3 or 4 first team players out of 15 signings isn`t good enough .Certainly a time for a change there.

Comments are closed.