John Lundstram gamble cannot be taken again by Michael Beale after Rangers horrorshow
Michael Beale’s first experience in the Rangers dugout against Hibernian was a baptism of fire, and the decision to play John Lundstram at centre-back will be an experiment he surely won’t try again.
As the lineups were dropped an hour before kickoff, fans, ex-players and pundits alike were all in shock at the inclusion of the 28-year-old at the heart of the Gers defence alongside James Sands, and his performance wasn’t anything to write home about.
Rangers youngster Leon King – who signed a new long-term deal with the club earlier this week – was struck with a sickness bug in the build-up to the match, while Connor Goldson remained absent – so a makeshift rearguard of two midfielders was all Beale could do.
From the get-go, though, the 42-year-old’s side looked vulnerable on the counter, with Lundstram a non-existent defender at points, as he struggled with his positioning and formed an extremely high line that Hibs took advantage of.
And the ex-Sheffield United midfielder was culpable for Hibs’ opener after just eight minutes, as Ryan Porteous evaded his slack attempt at marking from a corner, and nodded home amid an alarming lack of pressure in the six-yard box.
The second goal was more comical defending from Lundstram and Sands, who were made to look like the Chuckle Brothers by Kevin Nisbet, as he netted mere seconds after Fashion Sakala had drawn them level.
As the ball was played down the left wing, the gap between Englishman and his central defensive partner was wide enough for all XI of Hibs’ players to fit through, and Nisbet took the opportunity to pierce Beale’s back-line and slot the ball home with his left boot.
It wasn’t just the poor positioning but the lack of pace, which was especially evident in this second goal.
If it had not been for McGregor, Hibs could well have doubled their goal tally for the evening and put the game out of sight by the half-time whistle. As it was, the 40-year-old keeper produced a string of great saves, which ultimately proved crucial in claiming the three points.
Lundstram shouldn’t be blamed for being played out of position and experiencing a torrid first 45 minutes, but Beale will surely have to swing the axe and drop the 28-year-old from the fixture against Aberdeen (20 December).
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd clashes with his fellow Sky Sports pundit live on air as he rages over one Rangers player against Hibernian.