While Rangers’ win yesterday was deeply welcome and showed a decent level of shooting in front of goal, the failings at the back cannot escape scrutiny and point to bigger problems down the line against sides of a stronger calibre than County.
Rangers’ defence has of course cost them a place in the CL already, plus 3 points at Tannadice, and it’s certainly an area of concern going forward.
Watching James Tavernier’s ineptitude at the back exposed as vigorously as it has been this season is painful to witness, and while the captain has slowly improved going forward (he was effective in that area yesterday) his failings as a defender compounded with Connor Goldson’s weaknesses to gift County a foolish and avoidable goal.
And Steven Gerrard’s loyalty to that pair is such a bone of contention with fans who believe in particular that Nathan Patterson should be given a shout, given the 19-year old’s superb displays at all levels for club and country, and Tavernier’s inconsistencies.
What should Gerrard do? Drop his talisman, his stalwart?
Rangers’ defence doesn’t just suffer Goldson and Tav, it’s also finding the rotation a problem too – Gerrard rotates between Balogun and Helander and that constant switch of partner isn’t helping. But then, he did the same thing last season too and the defence was effectively water tight, so it’s not just as simple as 2+2=4 here.
The backline is currently an Achilles heel, and isn’t functioning well at all. With Celtic to come not to mention that trip to Armenia, it’s only going to be tested further and more intensely.
It failed miserably against Malmo and Utd and hasn’t looked convincing, shipping 7 goals in 8 matches, which is already considerably worrying. Will Celtic be too strong up front, given they’re scoring for fun?
Maybe. We are certainly more worried about this Old Firm than any for some time.
But then maybe it’s the perfect time? A huge week coming up for Rangers, and if they can’t sort the defence out now, when will they.
Hopefully the answers lie in the next 7 days.
I mentioned it before there is always a calamity in Goldsons game , it’s probably what’s cost him another crack at the EPL. Tav is not a consistent defender never has been. Paterson now ready to take that slot. SG needs to stop messing with the defence partners for the ever selected unfortunately Goldson . The rotten mob haven’t really played anyone yet apart from the licking they got from Hearts. Their defence is slack and has loads of cracks in it too, let’s hope SG and his coaches can see those opportunities.
100% agree with Bill here. They haven’t played anyone of note yet, even the AZ team isn’t quite what it was last year despite it being arguably a great result, yet from what I’ve been told that game could easily have been 4-4. It’s gonna come down to who’s hungriest and most clinical and least slack at the back. We need big performances from everyone over the next two games.
I have said for a long time now, play bassey and young nathan in front of borna and tav. this gives us the opportunity to attack them while bassey and Patterson stop their wide men from attacking constantly. We would then have tav and borna in their proper positions and not leaving those spaces in behind and also leaving goldson and big Phil exposed.effectivley we would start with a 442 this gives you flexibility to change it up if need be.if Wright is raring to go I would put him in with big Cedric as I believe his presence alongside Wright would benefit us with Patterson and bassey whipping balls into their box for the big man. Now many may question that but jelavic, hately ect always posed them problems with their physical presence and movement.iwould start with mc Gregor borna big Phil goldsonand tag. bassey j.aribo patterson, itten and wright.this would allow us the luxury of bringing on morels,roofe, Davis, Kent, hagi when they tire assuming everyone is fit and available. Thoughts bears.
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