Rangers finally clinched a league victory after a rocky stretch of six matches, yet true to their character, they made the win harder than necessary.
Heading into Sunday’s match against Livingston, especially after a disappointing performance against Genk in the Europa League, optimism was low. The initial moments of the game mirrored those concerns, marked by a sluggish pace and excessive passing in the back, but as the match progressed, they began to showcase some solid football.
Key players like Connor Barron and Nico Raskin played pivotal roles, facilitating quick transitions to the wingers, who frequently found themselves in one-on-one scenarios. The opening goal illustrated this tactic perfectly, with James Tavernier finishing in the center of the goal.
Rangers should have scored more before half-time; they had opportunities, including a missed one-on-one chance from Bojan Miovski. Additionally, Tavernier’s penalty was saved by the notable Jerome Prior, leaving fans frustrated. Despite this, Russell Martin remarked that the first-half performance was one of their best domestically since he took over, a sentiment supported by the statistics that showed they created three clear-cut chances, an improvement nonetheless.
The second half, however, began poorly for Rangers, as they were caught off guard yet again. John Souttar struggled with a cross, allowing Mo Sylla to equalize and reignite tensions among the fans. Despite the setbacks, Martin’s commitment to his philosophy shone through as he strategically introduced more attackers in hopes of clinching a goal. His gamble paid off when Max Aarons netted a late winner in stoppage time.
This win could serve as a pivotal turning point for the squad. While doubts remain about Martin and his approach, the pressing requirement for Rangers is to keep winning, as that remains the focus amidst recent negativity. The upcoming match against Sturm Graz on Thursday presents an opportunity for redemption, followed by a clash against Falkirk. Securing victories in both contests would foster a much-needed sense of positivity before the international break. Enthusiasm is essential at this juncture, as the team and supporters alike navigate a challenging landscape of performance and results.