match thread (image) [FT] Alashkert 0 - 0 Rangers

[JohnMc 2,750]

Like almost everyone else I thought Rangers were awful last night, a turgid game with only a few positives. Yet, some 12 hours later not only was ours Scotland's best result in Europe last night on reflection we were rarely troubled despite being away from home and playing in oppressive heat. We created some brilliant chances and on another night could have won 4 or 5 nil. Perception is everything in football. Most of us could see that Alashkert were as poor a side as we've faced at this stage in Europe and after our good runs in recent seasons there's an expectation we'll reach the group stages comfortably and with some style. The disappointment of losing to Malmo still hangs heavy in the air. 

 

It's worth noting that Scotland will have no representatives in the Europa Conference League this season, unlike Gibraltar, Cyprus and Kazakstan. Aberdeen and St Johnstone failing to qualify, following Hibs who were already out. The reality is we play in a poor league, that's getting poorer every season. We've probably over-achieved in Europe recently. I think the Europa League is one we can expect to compete in. The Champion's League, despite its riches and glamour, is a step beyond us currently. We'll see where we are in 12 months, but for now I'm looking forward to the draw and to some big European nights at Ibrox once again. It's great we're there. 

[Frankie 8,562]

Thought I'd leave it until today before commentating on yesterday's game. Positives first: to qualify for the EL group stages for the 4th straight season is fantastic consistency and worthy of great praise given the challenging circumstances year on year. Well done all!

 

In that regard the manager and his staff as well as various players have lots of credit in the bank when it comes to effort, attitude and quality of performance. It's not easy to hit the ground running early in campaigns so such context is well worth noting.

 

However, as the manager is fond of saying, that's now in the past. We must look at where we are now and, for whatever reason and without hysteria, the start of this season - and right through pre-season too - has not been good whilst our body language and confidence seem poor.  Defensively, we look unsure of ourselves, our midfield is rarely offering the platform we rely on and our attack is misfiring game after game. Too many changes (some enforced, some not) haven't helped and one would hope these will be minimised across coming weeks. The trip to Armenia and the conditions over there are also a negative and will explain some aspects of our pedestrian performance last night. But, again, these guys are professional athletes and if you want consistent success, these are the hurdles you must navigate. No excuses.

 

Now, Sunday's game isn't exactly a title decider so fans have to avoid panic. CV19 issues are a factor but we still have plenty of quality to stand tall as defending champions (have our players forgotten this or taken it for granted?) at Ibrox this weekend.  Of course Celtic, as always, will offer a test of nerve but, given last night's qualification, I'm confident our players will call on their experiences in such games last term to find the muscle memory and frame of mind to finally get going this season. Personally I can't wait.

[Devil's advocaat 1,541]

As ever, I prefer to see us going into a game against that lot with something to prove, we got the job done but SG will not be happy with them. Conversely, I think the first spanner has fallen into the spokes of the great antipaedoean revival.

[Scott7 6,002]

I expect the heat was a factor last night. Morelos looked as if he’d never been in a hot country before. Unusually Hagi’s radar was off. Aribo was very good, Kamara and Helander were fine. Paterson is mature for a young Scottish footballer.

 

I liked McRorie’s outfit. He did well what he had to do. Got the look of a young Billy Ritchie about him. Needs to bulk up a bit but as we all know that comes naturally every year. Being an athlete he’ll convert that to muscle.

 

There were a couple of crosses an old-time ‘keeper would have come for, going through the centre halves if need be. Modern defence planning maybe says something different. @Frankiewill tell me.

[the gunslinger 3,366]

i don't think we should put to much emphasis on the performance last night. We clearly went out knowing we had no subs to make in very hot conditions and were always in the lead and played accordingly. 

 

they misses are perhaps a worry but i think they were largely symptomatic of the conditions. 

[the gunslinger 3,366]

I thought we missed both Tav and Kent BTW. That said I would think that and there were other factors at play. Without Kent we lacked a link between midfield and attack and we really struggled to press. That may well have been the heat mind you. Patterson did fine but we had little threat down the right without Tav. 

[onevision 1,568]

Thank you JohnMc and Frankie for painting such a positive picture, certainly changed my perspective from what I witnessed last night. Cheers.

[BlackSocksRedTops 3,751]

3 hours ago, the gunslinger said:

i don't think we should put to much emphasis on the performance last night. We clearly went out knowing we had no subs to make in very hot conditions and were always in the lead and played accordingly. 

 

they misses are perhaps a worry but i think they were largely symptomatic of the conditions. 

I think if the chances fall to Itten, Roofe or Defoe we are guaranteed at 2/3 goals. Morelos is off the pace at the moment. Christ, even his goals have had an element of fortune IMO. The "header" against Malmo came off his side. His goal V the Armenians just crept under. The sclaffed shot V Ross County. I know a goal is a goal regardless but it seems indicative of his general play at the moment.

[the gunslinger 3,366]

25 minutes ago, BlackSocksRedTops said:

I think if the chances fall to Itten, Roofe or Defoe we are guaranteed at 2/3 goals. Morelos is off the pace at the moment. Christ, even his goals have had an element of fortune IMO. The "header" against Malmo came off his side. His goal V the Armenians just crept under. The sclaffed shot V Ross County. I know a goal is a goal regardless but it seems indicative of his general play at the moment.

hasn't morelos scored all our European goals. 

[BlackSocksRedTops 3,751]

4 minutes ago, the gunslinger said:

hasn't morelos scored all our European goals. 

Davis scored in Sweden. The other strikers mentioned to make my point have little or no game time.