11 Aug 2021 15:39:04
1 - 0 up on the night.
2 - 2 on aggregate.
Malmo down to 10 men.
And then our woeful start to the season continues with a 5 minute capitulation that leaves us 4 - 2 down on aggregate.
But we've still got 30 minutes to play to get something back out of the game. Even if it's just personal pride.
But that last half hour was torture.
Our deficiencies as a team were laid bare last night.
Malmo were well organised ( even with 10 men they kept a decent shape ) and their striker took his chances well.
Rangers on the other hand?
Arfield was worse than a man short.
Kent? These type of games ( the 'big games' ) are supposed to be his bread and butter. But apart from the best cross of the night for the assist to the goal, it was another woeful performance from him.
Our rock solid defence from last season looks disjointed and as if they have never played together before.
Our magnificent servant of a keeper ( McGregor ) is starting to look his age.
Aribo was brilliant first 30 minutes but faded completely.
Morelos was blowing out his arse second half.
Crossing from both fullbacks was terrible all night. And when they did clear the first defender it was easy pickings for a well organised Malmo defence.
When we did decide to shoot from distance? Well we all saw why they don't try it more often!
Players need to stand up and counted. Second best isn't good enough for Rangers.
Some players look as if they are resting on their laurels of last season's achievement.
Others look as if they are putting in limited effort and would like to be elsewhere.
I know it's 'only' Dunfermline on Friday night. But it's now a huge game for these players.
Firstly to get back to winning ways. Secondly, to see who is up for the fight and thirdly to rectify recent performances.
And Gerrard himself has some tough choices.
I would bet that he would have seen this game as an opportunity to give game time to Bassey, Patterson and possibly Kelly.
After the recent results, will he risk it?
And where does this leave Patterson? To good to sit on the bench all season and at a critical stage of his development.
5th competitive game of the season. A must win game in the League Cup against Dunfermline. Who would have thought it?
Richard Gough once famously said:-
"It's a wonderful club and fans when you are winning. But very unforgiven when you are not. "
It's easier said than done. But. Keep the faith.
In Gerrard We Trust.

1.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 15:48:12
great post --and spot on.

2.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 16:02:11
I've got to admit, that is the post of the day so far. That just about nails it. Well done MPH!

3.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 16:07:00
Good post but it's only worth starting Patterson, Bassey and Kelly if he plans to start them against Ross County. No point if the favourites just come straight back in after one game.

4.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 16:12:52
The out of form players need dropped. Patterson, Bassey need played and before anyone says Basseys final ball is poor, look at that crap last night. These lads need to be given game time now, even give Kelly a go. This team needs a good boot up the a÷×e!

5.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 16:13:11
I’d not only start Patterson Bassey and Kelly on Friday but I’d give them 4or 5 games in a row as their chance. Make a statement . As saying goes, you’re only as good as your last game.

6.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 17:01:33
Good post mrph.

7.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 17:06:00
McGregor
Patterson Goldson Helander Bassey
Kelly Davis Kamara
Aribo Morelos Hagi

I normally shy well away from 'picking' teams but against Dunfermline do you not think this side could do just as well, if not better, than last night's shambles?

8.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 17:51:27
Good team tabs, be surprised if McGregor plays, also would like to see sakala at some point.

9.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 18:53:56
Good post mph. For me it's been the inconsistent starting xi that's been the root of the problems. It's been difficult for Gerrard due to injuries, suspensions and other issues but we need a settled side.
That's why we did so well last season. Changes were usually restricted to a couple in the forward areas.
That being said, there needs to be significant improvement to the performances of the key players from last season. Tav, Goldson, Barisic, Kent in particular. I haven't seen such poor crossing in a game for a long time.
We will turn it around. I just hope it turns very soon.

10.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 18:59:13
Good, exciting line-up Tavloyal. 👍
Kelly wouldn't go far wrong with Davis and Kamara beside him.
And the option up front is exciting.
I can't ever remember Aribo, Morelos and Hagi playing in a front 3 together before?

11.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 19:01:42
If that's the back 4 on Friday Tavson I will be delighted. Ohhh i'm looking forward to this tie and I hope Jimmy Bell has got a couple of big subs Jackets made up with JT and BB on them.

12.) 11 Aug 2021
11 Aug 2021 19:44:16
Well said that man totally agree.