Rousseau

9 minutes ago, Scott7 said:

Aye, right. I’m with you now.

 

City can get by with a defence of strollers when they have Silva and Aguero . Mahrez and Gundogan are a good step down.

Can they, though? Norwich beat them at the start of the season when they had Silva, Aguero and the other Silva (Bernardo). They did have Stones and Otamendi at the back!

Again, my point was, it's not as simple as 'this side is better on paper, so should win'. Tactics play a huge part. 

20 minutes ago, Gonzo79 said:

City looked a bit off the boil and Guardiola made a bit of an arse of it with his tactics (the game was lost in midfield).

 

The thought of PSG vs RB Leipzig in a European Cup semi final is a bit grim.  I think it'll be an all-German final.

I agree on the whole, but it's not so simple. 

Man City started to create pressure when they went back to their 4-2-3-1 type formation and bringing on Mahrez. They scored, but, they also conceded more goals. Gurardiola went with a back three to cover the two Lyon forwards. It was a logical move, and it worked because they only conceded one, which was unlucky situation (wonderful finish). Imagine how much joy Lyon could have had if Man City started with only 2 CBs?

The issue for them was that they couldn't find any solutions in the final third to score. Their midfield couldn't find the space, partly because it was a change in formation, partly because Lyon smothered them.

My point is, it's not as simple as 'on paper Man City are better so should win'. The game is much more complex. 

That was a great few nights of football, for me. I can't stand Atleti, Barcelona, nor Man City. All got pumped. (I was rooting for Atalanta too, but you can't have everything.)

The arrogance of the pundits and commentators last night was annoying, as if City just had to turn up - they were even saying that Man City will have a field day against Bayern because of the high line the Germans were playing against Barca. It's all so naive; as if teams just play one way. Bayern would not have played with a high line against Man City. 

Matches are not played on paper. You have two teams, two managers looking to out-do the other; different tactics, different approaches, difference ways of playing. We had a Lyon side who got their tactics spot-on: playing quite a deep block, but aggressive to close down; and then pinged ball over the top for their quick forwards.

I think Steve McManaman was saying it's not arrogance, they just now what City can do. Yes, at their best they are superb. But can they do it when they are stopped from doing it? 

It's not even an English thing: the same thing happened in the Atleti-Leipsig match. Historically there's only one winner; on paper you'd say Atleti have the better calibre of player. But again, the game is not played on paper. Atleti are very stubborn in their approach; there's no real attacking impetus; they defend deep and counter. In contrast, Leipsig are managed by a tactically astute coach, Nagelsmann, and they play some of the most wonderful attacking football you'll ever see; the pace and movement is superb. 

Another good thing: We pumped Lyon a few weeks ago, so we're basically the 4th best team in Europe!  

Livingston 0 - 2 Rangers

FGS Kent

2 hours ago, WorthingBear91 said:

I predicted the correct number of Rangers goals as well Rousseau don't drag me down with you 

Don't leave me down here!

Corrected. 

I think McLean fits in nicely. 

He tends to play as the more advanced of the '2', in a 4-2-3-1.

Despite playing in a deeper role, he has an attacking intent, I think.  

He won't get bullied and will drive us forward. 

4 minutes ago, Bill said:

Changing half the outfield players in the second half is bound to have an impact on performance and cohesion but it was telling how we started to wobble after the Jack-Kamara partnership was disrupted in midfield.They might not contribute the spectacular but Jack in particular plays a massive role in controlling and cycling the ball.

But, but but.. we don't need 2 DMs against diddy teams! 

Kamara was solid, again. 

He's so much better when he keeps is simple: covering, winning the ball, passing it on. 

He has a good understanding of space and angles too: he's movement to receive a pass is underrated. 

I would sometimes like more vertical passes into the forwards, though. 

Barisic was superb, contributing a goal and a wonderful assist. 

I thought Helander was very good when he came on, making a couple of important covering tackles. 

Kent was lively. 

Aribo less so, but was good in parts and, again, picks up another goal. 

For me, it has to be Barisic. 

What's your thoughts, folks?

I kind of cringed every time Alex Rae said, "I agree with the guys". Is that PC? Is 'guys' gender neutral?

Tanner was a bit bland.  

I'm really enjoying Clive Tyldesley. 

(KT is alright...)  

Look at the state of that; languishing in 21st place... pretty much out of the title race already. 

Another high scoring round. It's either 1 point or 5 points.

Correct Result (1 pt): Everyone who entered. 

Correct Number of Rangers Goals (1pt): Stevie, One, Dado, Malang, Devil, BD, Yorkie, 26th, TB and T-1000.

FGS (2 pts): -

Correct Score (3 pts): One, Dado, Malang, Devil, BD, Yorkie, 26th, TB and T-1000.

Latest Standings:

3 goals, another clean sheet and 3 points. 

A win's a win. 

We're so slow and ponderous at times, though. It was after that 5 man change which could not have helped.

I'm not really happy. It's so slow and ponderous.

I feel for Itten, Roofe (not match fit, at all) - and even Hagi, even if he's not been great - because they're not being given the ball despite constantly showing for it.

12 minutes ago, Gonzo79 said:

We seemed to be attempting more shots from further out, which was good to see, although most were blocked quite easily.

Difficult when there's 11 men in the six yard box...

I was pleased to see that when crosses went over the other side or knocked out the box, there were a few of our players ready to pick it up. 

It was great because there was more players in and around to box to take shots but also just to retain and keep the pressure up. 

I think the lack of crowd helped us. 

We had several chances early that were blocked or saved. I think after the first few, the crowd would start their moaning and that would hamper the team. 

As it was, we kept plugging away and were solid defensively too without getting nervous from the crowd. 

I was still frustrated with the lack of quality in the final third, overall, but we kept plugging away and controlled the game. I just wonder if we could have kept it up with a baying crowd? 

I don't think McLaughlin is good with his feet at all. 

There was a simple pass, where all he had to do was roll it out to Goldson, but he over hit it and Tavernier had to scramble to keep it in. 

He's a decent replacement for McGregor, but I think his poor feet will cost us chances and goals. 

It's a difficult one: there were a few decent performances. 

Goldson and Balogun were solid again. 

Jack and Kamara controlled the game. 

Kent and Aribo were lively. 

Barisic steamrolled that left side. 

I think I'll go with Morelos, though. He's took a lot of stick recently about his form, fitness and mental state. He looked much better yesterday and popped up with 2 goals, and an assist, which got us the points. He's still got a long way to go to get back to his best, but this was better. 

Who is your MotM, folks?

Rangers 2 - 0 St Johnstone

FGS Morelos

1 hour ago, Bluedell said:

What are the rules when the FGS is an OG? 

An OG doesn't count as the 'First Rangers Goalscorer'. 

Morelos was FGS. 

You are all taking the p*ss with these Correct Scores.

Correct Result (1 pt): Everyone who entered. 

Correct Number of Rangers Goals (1pt): CammyF, Bill, BD, compo, Dado, Malang, Devil, BEAR, MacK, T-1000, TB, r_s and Yorkie. 

FGS (2 pts): Bill, Devil, BEAR, Ted, r_s, Yorkie and Stewarty

Correct Score (3 pts): CammyF, Bill, BD, Dado, Malang, Devil, BEAR, MacK, TB, r_s, and Yorkie

Latest Standings:

Two clean sheets also. 

We've not looked too troubled defensively in those two league games. 

Perhaps too early to tell whether that's down to us or poor opponents.