Rangers: Chris Sutton admits Abdallah Sima changed the game against dominant Celtic
Philippe Clement’s change to bring Abdallah Sima on for Rangers against Celtic changed the game, according to Chris Sutton.
The former Hoops striker, whose controversial commentary live on Sky Sports left Graeme Souness unimpressed [talkSPORT, 8 April], discussed the dramatic 3-3 Old Firm draw at Ibrox on It’s All Kicking Off a day later (8 April) and said the Senegal international’s arrival at half time made a “huge impact” after the visitors had dominated the first 45 minutes.
The Brighton loanee was introduced for Scott Wright at the break having only returned after three months out injured in the previous win over Hibs, but scored to bring the Light Blues level at 2-2 and spark what Sutton called “absolute bedlam” in the stands.
He said (45m 25s): “Thoroughly enjoyed the game. Celtic dominated the first half and should have been out of sight really but Rangers adjusted at half-time, Philippe Clement made a substitution.
“Brought the guy on loan from Brighton on, Adballah Sima, who made a huge difference to Rangers. Rangers dominated the second half and eventually get themselves back in it 2-1, I thought a dubious penalty.
“2-2 and then the stadium was absolute bedlam.”
Brighton loanee makes huge difference for Philippe Clement at Rangers
As with so many recent Old Firm’s there is a feeling of what if following the final whistle, despite the rousing fight back to take a point and the superb late third from Rabbi Matondo.
A dismal first half performance meant Rangers gave themselves an unnecessary uphill struggle, with far too many key men way off their best from the start.
Scott Wright, so impressive against Benfica recently, was offering next to nothing so while Sima changed the momentum Clement arguably got it wrong not to start the loanee after admitting he wouldn’t be able to play the full 90 minutes.
Thankfully he was available at all after returning from a long-term absence to provide a reminder of how important he has been this season with a 16th goal for the club.
It’s impossible to be entirely satisfied by another derby passing without a win, but where Rangers have capitulated in similar circumstances in recent seasons they do deserve major credit for battling back.
Sima would have been a guaranteed starter if not for his lack of match fitness but his return for the title run in could yet be vital.
In other Rangers news, a key Gers man has reacted negatively to an offer from the club.
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