Rangers ‘major sliding-doors moment’ mooted after what happened in 2-1 win v Servette
A “glaring” miss from Rangers striker Sam Lammers in the club’s 2-1 win against Servette could be a “major sliding-doors moment” in the two-legged clash, according to BBC Scotland journalist Nick McPheat.
The Gers won the Champions League third-round qualifying first-leg match against the Swiss side at Ibrox on Wednesday (9 August).
Defender James Tavernier opened the scoring from the penalty spot after six minutes, with Cyriel Dessers netting nine minutes later.
“A glaring close-range miss by home forward Sam Lammers, just minutes before Servette were awarded their penalty, has the potential to become a major sliding-doors moment in the tie,” McPheat wrote for BBC Sport.
“But had the correct final pass been played during numerous breakaway opportunities, or had Dessers and Lammers not been thwarted by superb saves by Joel Mall, there would be simply no need to revisit the Dutchman’s first-half sitter.”
Underwhelming
Rangers manager Michael Beale will perhaps have mixed emotions following the underwhelming but important victory against Servette.
First and foremost, the man in the dugout will be happy about getting a first win of the new season, having lost 1-0 to Kilmarnock in their Scottish Premiership opener on Saturday (5 August).
Furthermore, the manager will have been delighted to see one of his new summer signings get on the scoresheet for the first time.
However, a major negative is that the Gers conceded to the Swiss outfit in front of their home fans. More worryingly, though, is that they could not add to their goals tally against the 10 men of Servette, who had David Douline sent off for two yellow cards just before the hour mark.
Rangers really need to be doing better in such circumstances, if only to boost their confidence going into the second leg, which will be very tough away from home.
In other Rangers news, Martin O’Neill has shared a Scottish Premiership title verdict amid a “problem” at the Ibrox club.