Before I go on further, go on; get the ‘it was only Annan’ comments out of the way. *hand cups ear* done? Ok. And also bear in mind the last time Rangers faced them it was 0-0, and the first time in 2012/2013 McCoist’s men took them on, they lost.
So while Annan are certainly no Arsenal, this match had symbolic significance, not entirely alien to the significance of the previous fixture v Motherwell which also forced comparisons with the last time both teams locked horns.
Hence while Annan are not a great side, nothing could put down a market better than judging Rangers’ display versus them now compared with the recent past.
And no doubt about it, it was something higher than flying colours. But, of course, the main topic here is the defence, and just what difference the introductions of Clint Hill and Lee Hodson respectively made to Rangers’ back line, with the omission of James Tavernier and Danny Wilson.
Against Motherwell Rangers’ defence looked, at times, frightened and wholeheartedly disorganised. This was symptomatic of the entire season which preceded it, in which the rearguard was the weakness for sure.
But last night? It was night and day. Hodson’s selection provided a reliable rigidity on the right – sure, Annan did not exactly pile on the pressure, but Hodson’s positional sense and awareness of when to get forward provided the perfect balance of holding defensive shape while equally supporting the attacking third when needed.
He is not the marauding fullback attacking prowess of Tavernier; few would dispute that. But he is more reliable. Sorry James, but Hodson is the kind of right back you can depend on to read the game and stick with defensive positions on a more regimented basis. Sadly, Tavernier has proven he is not. And Hodson, lest we forget, nearly scored twice, so it is evident he carries a surprising goal threat too.
And what of the other debutant defender? Well, here is where the complete dynamic of Warburton’s back four has changed. After the disorganisation caused by three young defenders (Tavernier, Wilson and Kiernan) being naïve and unable to lead each other, in conjunction with a LB who gets forward a significant amount and often leaves the left flank exposed, there was a seismic shift in this match.
For while Wallace still charged down the left, now Clint Hill was able to fill his absence, because the 37-year old veteran never stopped barking orders around his team mates; he truly led from the back, and kept the line stable. He either roared at midfielders to support at the left when Wallace was away, or screamed at Kiernan to keep the shape – and this leadership filtered through the team.
At one point Martyn Waghorn barked at Josh Windass to get back to the apex of midfield, for the creative attacker had gotten well out of position; players guiding each other, telling each off if need be, keeping the team ticking over.
That all comes from the back, with a wily old head like Hill, and a more defensively robust RB in Hodson, the defensive line was probably more in harmony and even unison than at any previous moment under Warburton’s time at Ibrox.
Do not mistake me – Rangers have put in solid defensive shifts in some matches, but rarely has the rearguard looked as composed as it did last night.
Obviously tougher tests are to come, and Rangers will face much more pressure on their back four than they did last night, but it was a seriously positive sign for a defence which has had its critics.
The question is will Warbs stick with that four indefinitely?
I totally agree. It was only Annan but if Wilson and Kiernan were playing they would have found a way to give away a chance or two. Big Hill was constantly talking to Gilks the defence and the midfield. He also gave away a very very clever foul in the first half which he didn't get booked for and our team completely regrouped from a bad position.
Hill looks like the crafty old head we have been crying out for.
Barton looked good. Unlucky with free kick.
Windass looked like a gem. Powerful direct and hungry to get on the ball.
Hodgson was great. Great composure. Very assured debut.
And Niko Kranjcar… I honestly believe we're a few weeks.. and half a dozen games away from watching a genius.
Overall given the fact Annan put 11 men inside their 18 yard box. I'd give last night's performance 9/10 first half. 7/10 the second half.
It's still pre season and we have still to add Rossiter Crooks and Dodoo.
Going for 55. WATP
I dont think we can take to much from Annan as they did pack teh box & it will be different against [so called] Premier teams,
But I do think a certain Joseph Barton will enable Halliday to bomb forward
a wee bit more
And what a joy to see quality like Niko Kranjcar in the blue jumper compared to the likes of law,Black. Brilliant just brilliant!! Thanks Warbs
All this & Dodoo and Rossiter to come, BTW is he still on duty for the Queen playin for U21's?
Shipping Tavernier out after one display, against Annan? Get real. This was absolutely no contest or signal of how the defence would cope against any kind of decent opposition. They could barely break out of their own box never mind into our half.
Not out mate further forward would benefit him and the team I would suggest!
Hope so cos Tavs is a hopeless defender
Annan though, come on…
Thought Hodson was poor myself given the opposition.
No one to mark so no no test of his defending abiloty. Always passed back when he got the ball. Poor delivery. Should have at least got his shots in target with no pressure. Even his assist wasn't meant for waghorn.
Hodson was poor?! he had 2 blinding saves, another goalkeeper and he would have had two goals, 'Anonymous' poster shoud be banned.
If tavernier had played those 2 shots (1 on target and 1 well wide of the post!!) would have been 2 goals…
If tav played as defensive and negative (in my opinion) as hodson did there would be no concern about his defending. He makes the team more of a threat with his quality.
Tav will be first choice no doubt with Hudson covering both full back roles.
James Tavernier is our first choice right back and he will be for the whole of this season,on the other hand Hodson can also play left back and I think that is the position,if any,that is up for grabs
You think left back is up for grabs… Wallace???
Go wash your mouth out with bleach.or your fingers lol. Don't even go there with the skipper. I'll put that down to a typo. Captain Leader Legend
Yeah Hodson will play, maybe against better teams to begin with but I suspect over the course of a season he will prove the better right back of the two and will be first choice come the spring. Tav for me has still a lot to prove at a higher level.
That's what I thought you ment. You said in your first comment that left back is up for grabs. We'll put it down to a typo lol
Yes it was only Annan but the defence certainly had more of a shape to it and were not caught out like they were against Motherwell, Thought Hodson had a great game, Kranjcar when fully match fit will be awesome, Windhass looks like a gem. Barton for all the hype didn't do a whole lot when he came on but I am sure that is due to lack of playing and knowing the players. For Gordon to say that wee McKays goal against Celtic was a fluke I think that's the 3rd or 4th just like it he has scored since LOL. Looking forward to a real good season as long as we can get shape about the defense.
I honestly think Hodson is a better bet at RB as U need a solid back 4 and Warbs will bring in another CH to play with Crooks or Hill.
Also think Tavs would be better in another position further up the park where he doesn't need to defend just close down. (Not got a clue where mind) Exciting times ahead for us all!!
happy with Hodson and Hill windass is class and niko kranjcar waw second game looked much better than first game like a was thinking he would need 10 games b4 we see him like that, oh and celtic are so far behind us now a can see a lot off there fans getting really pissed off this season 🙂
Mackay's goals and the reaction remind me og Gary Player who was asked to comment on a piece of "luck" and replied "it's funny that the more I practice, the luckier I get😂"
I like a vocal CH and I like my captain to be a CH too.I love Wallace but he never opens his mouth during a game and its a major weakness in his personality.I don't think his position as captain is under threat but who knows?Niko pure class if can keep injury free and Forrester will smash it this season.I was looking at the squad last night on paper and what a pool of players!No bravado here I reckon we will win the league.Happy Bear here! I know you mentioned Waggy shouting at Windass once but he gave him it stinkin for most of the first half for holding onto the ball too long I think, but I don't mind a bit of arguing among the troops.Shows they care. Mon the Gers!
Tam.
I agree its juat not in Wallaces nature to roar at people he's a quit man who just goes about his business.
Hopefully the new CH will be our captain and screams as loud as Hill.
Doubt very much if Wallace would bother his arse who's wearing the armband.
Wish this bloody league would hurry up and start¡¡¡¿
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