Rangers secured a spot in the Premier Sports Cup final with a tense 2-1 victory over Motherwell at Hampden Park. But while Philippe Clement’s men booked a date with Celtic in the final, it was far from a convincing performance, with some recurring issues that fans have grown all too familiar with.
A Shaky Start and a Team Lacking Direction
Rangers came out with a decent start, and there were moments where it looked like they could break through Motherwell’s defense early. Cerny showed early spark, and Dessers nearly found the net. But after Andy Halliday scored midway through the first half, Rangers looked rattled. The team seemed to lose its way, and simple passes went astray. The strategy quickly turned to aimless long balls and predictable crosses into the box—tactics that haven’t served Rangers well in recent seasons. Rangers have consistently struggled to score from corners or win aerial duels, so it was frustrating to see them persist with a style that hasn’t yielded results. With each misplaced pass and wasted cross, the crowd’s frustration grew.
Underperforming Players Holding Back the Squad
Tavernier, Lawrence, and Dessers have been out of form, and it showed again in this match. All three players struggled to find their rhythm, with Tavernier’s crosses going astray, Lawrence unable to impose himself, and Dessers misfiring when presented with good chances. The performance of these key players has been below par for some time now, and many fans are beginning to wonder if it’s time to look at alternative options. Clement’s decision to finally bring on Sterling, Kasanwirjo, and Diomande injected some much-needed energy and balance into the squad. It was no surprise that the team looked sharper and more controlled after these changes.
Clement Needs to Rethink His Selections
If Rangers are serious about retaining the Premier Sports Cup and pushing forward in the league, Clement needs to take a hard look at his starting eleven. The recurring underperformance of Tavernier, Lawrence, and Dessers is dragging the team down. When Sterling, Kasanwirjo, and Diomande came on, the difference was palpable—the team moved with purpose and control that had been missing throughout the first half. These players offer a fresh, effective approach that could be crucial in future games.
A Game of Two Halves with Bajrami’s Heroics Saving the Day
After a frustrating first half, Rangers came out firing in the second period. Clement’s halftime adjustments worked wonders, and Rangers quickly equalised with a well-crafted move. Barron’s precision pass to Cerny and the latter’s deft finish were textbook, providing a much-needed boost for the Gers. Bajrami sealed the win ten minutes from time, showing composure to convert a tricky chance and secure the win. The team took the applause from the fans at the end, but the victory couldn’t completely mask the areas of concern.
Looking Ahead: A Date with Destiny and Celtic
Rangers will face Celtic in the final next month, but unless Clement addresses these persistent issues, it could be a tough night at Hampden. The insistence on using tactics that don’t play to the team’s strengths and the reliance on out-of-form players will not cut it against stronger opposition. Rangers are still in the running for silverware, but there is plenty of work to do if they want to lift the trophy and build momentum for the rest of the season.
In the end, Rangers got the result, but this was far from the performance fans want to see.