Rangers returned to winning ways with a gritty 1-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice. It wasn’t the most polished performance, but getting the three points was crucial. Tom Lawrence’s early strike gave us the lead, but we had to dig deep to maintain it.
A Blistering Start, But Room for Improvement
Rangers came out of the blocks with intent, dominating the first 20 minutes and scoring the crucial opener. Lawrence combined well with Cortes and Dessers, slaloming his way into the box before dinking the ball over the onrushing Walton. This was the kind of start we needed after recent results. For those opening exchanges, we were rampant, putting United on the back foot. However, as the game progressed, it was clear we weren’t quite the finished article yet. Dundee United managed to change their shape and kill our momentum, frustrating our attack for the rest of the match.
Lawrence Shines, but the Game Should Have Been Put to Bed
Tom Lawrence was a bright spark throughout the game. He not only scored the winning goal but also consistently got into promising positions. He should have had more goals, something he acknowledged post-match. Despite some questions about his inclusion in the starting lineup, Lawrence proved his critics wrong this time. However, doubts remain if he can deliver in bigger games. Over the coming weeks, it’ll be interesting to see if Bajrami gets a chance in the number 10 role, especially given his second-half cameo.
Team Selection Questions Remain
There were some raised eyebrows when the starting lineup was announced. The inclusion of Kieran Dowell and Lawrence sparked debate among the fanbase. While Lawrence silenced his doubters with a strong performance, Dowell struggled to make an impact. Manager Philippe Clement later revealed that the plan was to start Vaclav Cerny, but illness ruled him out. It’s clear Dowell, along with Diomande and Dessers, need to give more to justify their starting positions.
A Mixed Bag of Performances
John Souttar was deservedly named man of the match, delivering one of his best performances of the season. However, if it were up to us, the accolade would have gone to Lawrence. Souttar was solid at the back, showing composure and leadership, but Lawrence’s constant threat in the final third was crucial. Other standout performers included Jefte, Barron, and Cortes, who showed their quality throughout the match. There’s a marked improvement in the overall level the team reached, but there’s still work to be done.
A Missed Opportunity to Kill the Game
One of the disappointments was our inability to kill off the game. We had Dundee United on the ropes early on, but we couldn’t find that crucial second goal to put the match beyond doubt. This allowed the home side to grow into the game, and we had to weather a few nervy moments, especially when Ross Graham’s header glanced just wide of Butland’s post. We need to be more clinical if we’re to compete for honours this season.
Bajrami and Igamane Offer Hope for the Future
On a positive note, the second-half introductions of Bajrami and Igamane provided a glimpse into the future. Bajrami came on for Cortes, who is still working his way back from injury, and did an okay job on the left wing, although his preferred position is the number 10 role. Meanwhile, young Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane impressed during his 30-minute cameo. His control, strength, creativity, and pace had fans raving. He was unlucky not to score, but his performance showed he could be a real asset for us moving forward.
The Road Ahead
This victory, while not perfect, was a step in the right direction. There are clear signs of improvement, especially in the early stages of the game where we played Dundee United off the park. However, we need to sustain this level of performance and be more ruthless in front of goal. Next up is a return to Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup against Dundee. It’s another opportunity to build momentum and show that we’re moving in the right direction.
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