Ibrox View: Formation change needed – Three things learned from Rangers draw v Livingston
Rangers missed a real opportunity to extend their gap at the top of the Scottish Premier League on Sunday, drawing 0-0 at Livingston.
Steven Gerrard will not have been happy with his side as they continue to play with the whole Celtic squad sidelined due to COVID-19.
This was another chance to extend that gap to their fierce rivals and crank up the pressure on their inevitable return to action.
As it stands, Rangers remain top but with an identical record to Hibernian, six points clear of Celtic who have played two games less.
Gerrard went for his tried-and-trusted team against Livingston, and they struggled to break down a frustrating home side who for the majority of the game just sat behind the ball.
Ibrox News have picked out three things learned from the 0-0 draw…
1. Gerrard must become more flexible
It is frustrating to see that Gerrard can’t change his system against the so-called lower teams. Once again on Sunday, the Light Blues went with a 4-3-3 formation which saw Glen Kamara and Ryan Jack in holding midfield. That was totally unnecessary against a side which only kept 21.5% possession in the entire game [WhoScored]. Scott Arfield was the third midfielder and even he isn’t known for his attacking skill. Gerrard must learn to become more flexible to break these sort of teams down.
2. Impressive defensive start continues
One of the few positives to come from the bore draw was yet another clean sheet for the Gers. That is now four in four games for Gerrard’s men, although it means nothing without three points each week. It was Filip Helander’s first league start since his injury last season too, and the Swede looked assured in the absence of the impressive Leon Balogun. Rangers have a number of options at Ibrox right now in defence, and that is being highlighted on the pitch each and every week.
3. Roofe ahead of Itten?
With Alfredo Morelos remaining at the club and both Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten arriving, there seems to be an abundance of options in the final third for once. The pecking order was quite confusing to get your head around at first. Obviously, Morelos is first-choice for as long as he is here. Gerrard gave his first hint that Roofe was second on Sunday. The 27-year-old came on with 33 minutes to spare, and Itten was forced to wait for another 15 minutes. Yes, this may have been tactical, and we may find out if the former Leeds man really is the heir to Morelos’ spot in the weeks to come.
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