Callum O'Connell

Thu 26 October 2023 20:05, UK

BBC journalist Tom English claimed it was a miracle that Rangers kept the scoreline at 0-0 for as long as they did, with misplaced passes and a lack of physicality the story of the game.

There was a lack of cohesion among the Rangers players as they struggled to keep possession, losing the midfield battle and allowing sloppiness to creep into their game.

English lamented a number of “anonymous” displays from Gers players who failed to get a grip on the game, having been dominated for large spells, even if they could have won it at the end.

The BBC Scotland chief sports writer claimed on BBC Sportsound [18:45]: “Clement is getting a full picture of the size of the job he has on his hands.

“There was an incredible amount of misplaced passes under no pressure, hopeful punts downfield, simple passes going out of play.

“There were players getting shoved off the ball, losing the physical battle. Too many players are completely anonymous.

“It’s a miracle it’s 0-0.”

Failing to win the battles

This display was a far cry from the one this Rangers side put in during Clement’s opening Scottish Premiership game against Hibernian. A lack of confidence in possession was paired with a physical weakness as they allowed their opponents to bully them.

The change of shape had clearly affected the side, with Borna Barisic, Ridvan Yilmaz and Dujon Sterling all missing, as Clement was forced to experiment with tactical changes to cover for the lack of a natural left-back.

Abdallah Sima was the main threat going forward against Hibs but was forced to play deeper as a wing-back to cover for the lack of depth, which led to the team’s struggles up top, while the likes of Nicolas Raskin were bullied in midfield.

They will need to show more consistency and desire in their play if they want to keep improving under the guidance of their new boss, with aspects of their play simply not good enough against Sparta Prague.

In other Rangers news, Clement will be fuming at a waste of £5million.