Rangers stars slammed for ‘appalling’ moment vs Livingston
Rangers battled to their first league win of the season away at Livingston, but it was not the most convincing performance.
Russell Martin is still under huge pressure, and was again booed by the Rangers fans despite finally winning in the Scottish Premiership.
Goals from James Tavernier and Max Aarons handed Rangers the three points, but the win looked in jeopardy for a while after Mohamad Sylla found an equaliser in the second half.
There were mixed performances all over the pitch as Oliver Antman impressed but Bojan Miovski failed to take his chances, but one moment in the game was particularly bad.
Rangers defence slammed over Livingston goal
John Souttar started alongside Derek Cornelius at centre-back again, but while the Canadian delivered a fairly strong performance, Souttar was caught out for the goal.
The ball over the top came on Souttar’s side, but it somehow found Sylla unopposed in the box to head in.
Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Neil McCann slammed the Rangers defence for the goal, pointing out how badly they were set up.
- Livingston recorded nine shots, with three of these on target.
- Rangers recorded 15 shots, with seven on target.
- Livingston recorded 0.82 xG compared to Rangers’ 2.29.
“The delivery is brilliant but the set up from Rangers is absolutely appalling. It’s 2 v 1,” he stated.
“Adam Montgomery gets half a yard and Mo Sylla comes in towards the back end of the penalty box and sends it flush past Jack Butland.
“It’s way too easy to get that half yard – right over Cornelius and John Souttar and it was a brilliant header.”
- Read more: Derek Ferguson names one Rangers player that ‘excites’ despite crisis under Russell Martin
Rangers still defensively weak under Russell Martin
Martin’s sides have been weak defensively throughout his career, and Rangers have broken their own European records with the volume of chances they have conceded.
Livingston recorded nine shots during the game, and the first 15 minutes in particular saw them carve open the Rangers defence on several occasions.
Cornelius also appeared to be carrying a knock when he was substituted, and this would be a blow for Martin, after Rangers finally appeared to have a settled back four who could gain consistency by playing together more.
Nasser Djiga would be the replacement if Cornelius is sidelined, but after a poor start to the season, this would make Rangers even weaker at the back.
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