“He came of age” – nine things we learned about Rangers v UFA

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“He came of age” – nine things we learned about Rangers v UFA


An extraordinary night in Russia comes to a close as Rangers stunningly seal their rightful place in the group stage of the Europa League by qualifying the hard way. Ibrox Noise takes you through some things we learned.

1: If ever anyone had any doubt of the spirit of this Rangers squad, which has admittedly looked slightly flatter these past few matches, this evening’s incredible result v UFA down by two men and backs firmly planted against the walls would have dispelled it. No Coulibaly, no Barisic, and technically no Morelos or Flanagan either, this was an absolutely staggering show of guts, spirit, and no small football ability either. This squad is on the right path. It will have dips and troughs, yes, but when it comes down to it, almost every player tonight honoured the shirt properly. Superb.

2: Whatever line Stevie Gerrard spins on it, and in his defence he has to, Alfredo Morelos is an immature wee boy with the world at his feet, and who reminds us unmistakably of a young Wayne Rooney. He will get sent off, he will let his team mates down with dreadful petulance, but equally he’ll work like a dog and produce big moments. He is an absolute Jekyll and Hyde and tonight’s dreadful lapse of judgement (twice inside 20 seconds) was just another example of the soap opera of a spontaneously combusting powerhouse.

3: Ryan Jack looked tonight to be back to his best – we lost count of the number of interceptions and backtracks and even that solo run at the end to waste time was magnificent. Rangers are a better team when this lad is on his game.

4: Defence is just starting to creak a little in some ways while growing in others. Both Goldson and Katic were a little shaky at the start, but Katic especially became a powerhouse and soaked up countless attacks, while Goldson started aerially dominating as the game went on. But it was a bit inconsistent and the defence was exposed tonnes of times in the first half – thankfully the hosts could only muster the one goal. The early honeymoon of the imperious defence is not quite the warm and fuzzy thing it was, and it’s getting real now.

5: Jon Flanagan did indeed lead with his elbow, but not aggressively. Had it been a first booking no one would have complained. The fact it led to a red and he tried to Glasgow kiss the guy afterwards is a mixed bag of ill-fortune and ill-temperament. But he’s been a man and apologised on behalf of himself and Morelos, and both have apologised to their team mates so ho harm and no foul, and thanks to the team spirit the other 9 got them ‘out of jail’.

6: Something which has been overlooked by many is Rangers have gone the hard way to the group stage – four qualifying rounds, with only the preliminary round bypassed, which is 8 matches to earn their place – for a new squad and a new manager this is the biggest Rangers achievement since we won 3IAR in 2011. By very, very far.

7: Steven Gerrard realised his complete mistake v Motherwell and reverted back to the 4-3-3 with Scott Arfield, and there is no coincidence the performance was a mountain better than it was in Motherwell. The sendings off hurt us, but the team played with energy and the pressing was outstanding.

8: Ryan Kent came of age tonight. He still didn’t get his goal but we rarely remember a natural winger working this hard, defending, attacking, and doing everything his heart would allow him to. Much, much better from the loanee and finally he’s starting to look like the right player in the right team.

9: A word too for Ovie Ejaria who is continuing his increasingly impressive form, and his crucial goal tonight was absolutely oustanding. As he grows more and more, it gets more and more difficult to drop him. Quite the turnaround.

This was a mammoth night. The perfect fillip for Sunday. We have tomorrow’s group stage draw to look forward to. And that’s the way it should be.

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16 COMMENTS

  1. thought Ejaria was good today. he's getting better every game. Ryan Jack the same and Lafferty worked his socks off second half showed he can be trusted to be unselfish and do a job for the team.

  2. UNBELIEVABLE 💪

    WINNING STILL WINNING 🕺🕺🕺

    LETS GO WATP 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

  3. Morales Bugs the hell outa me. Petted lip inaw! Team are great with or without him. We Have goal scorers With Magnificent team behind them. Yea, he`s icing on the cake, but icing can be bad for you.!!

  4. Agree with almost everything you say IN however I’m not convinced Morelas can be compared to a young Wayne Rooney:
    Alfredo Morelos is an immature wee boy with the world at his feet, and who reminds us unmistakably of a young Wayne Rooney.
    We are on the right track and as SG said in his post match interview; our team was relaunched tonight. For those of a certain age, we can look forward to a Rangers team worthy of the badge and being lead by a leader.
    Onwards to Sunday.

  5. Glasgow rangers back in Europe where we belong. Thank you stevie G for bringing the respect back to an institution that has been cheated laughed at and kicked when down. #55

  6. 9 Heros and Warriors! One of the most tense Rangers games I have ever watched! Well done lads, just bloody well done!!!

  7. I was once a young ger, up to 19 years of age from 9 years, I still get butterflies every time I watch our games, to get to the point, the tide is turning and I guess everyone outside the famous feels it too, we have a manager who not only understands the responsibity he it embedded in to his players, we are about to see 55 I know it you know it everyone knows it, love this page and enjoy your views AD

  8. We needed something to lift us and this has. I think Flannagan is twice the man, that Alfredo is, atm. He apologised, not just to the team, but to us bears. He did lead, but it looked like his armpit, was in the guys face, to me. Please Alfredo, keep the heed on Sunday. Big Broony, is bound to try and wind him up.

  9. Awesome performance!!@ Bring on the Rotten Mob ….Morelos is no Wayne Rooney but he has something for sure …if we get a good offer of 9 to 10 Million he will go with our thanks …but not till the end of this season I think. Steven Gerrard is the key asset we now have along with Gary McAllister and his coaching team. Obviously I include Mark Allen too who has delivered big style ….Getting excited for the draw and looking forward to doing the Rotten Mob …WATP

  10. Morelos will be benched on Sunday for sure after this. Scoring first will be perfect of course, but Kyle scoring first?! Heaven for every second afterwards lol. How good would that be? Scum 1 Bears 3

  11. 1. Almost Every Player played Fantastic

    2. Flanagan Red was Harsh

    3. Drop Morelos for Laff on Sunday

    💪🔴⚪⭕

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