Rangers 2 vs. Dundee United 2 - Aug. 05/2006

NO CASE FOR THE DEFENCE

PLG’s Ibrox debut did not quite go to plan as he was forced to accept just the one point from a game, which could have been won emphatically. A day, once more, where the attack dazzled and the defence capitulated.
From the outset it was, as last week, a case of chance after chance coming and going without that killer touch, although it has to be said that some of the build up play was sublime, and you just know that an opposition somewhere soon is going to be on the end of a real hiding! BUT it is at the back where the real concern is. This new centre back pairing is still to gel and must do so quickly as, in this league and for this club, time is something that is not afforded.

Today’s team: -

Letizi: - Had no chance with either goal and basically had little else to do. His handling and distribution is good
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - Whipping boy of late but had a good game. Pushed forward well and had a great goal line clearance.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Svensson: - At fault for both goals and needs a confidence boost. Still believe there is a great talent there but needs to find his feet quickly. Hooked in the second half.7
Rmed Verdict: - 4

JRod: - With two centre backs to look after one striker you’d have thought that it would have been a comfortable afternoon for JRod but not so, I’m afraid, and there can be no excuses.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Smith: - Like Hutton, was left with a clear channel to run into all day, which he did at every opportunity. Support play from these two in this formation, with the two holding players, is essential.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hemdani: - In there to protect the back four and be the architect of our attacks. Does a job but never any more than that. Ended up as a makeshift centre back and did ok.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Clement: - Looks classy on the ball and works hard off it. Has a great tackle in him too as he blocked a certain goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sionko: - United defence couldn’t handle him at all. Great display from the wannabe Proborski, Forced Stillie into some great saves and took another coat of paint off the crossbar too. Our main threat at present.
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (My MOTM. On great form and long may it continue!)

Buffel: - That extra finishing training hasn’t paid off yet but WHEN it does it’ll be a terrific day. Good touches and always in a threatening position.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Adam: - Can whip in a good ball with that left boot and again played well. Was surprised that he gave way at half time but somebody had to go I suppose.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Prso: - Worked hard again and this system seems to suit him. Personally I prefer him in a slightly wider role but you know that he’ll give his all wherever he plays.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd (On for Adam): - I would have liked to see him on from the start, as it was a different style of game in the second as we chased a two-goal deficit for much of it. Had a couple of chances and one, which caught under his feet, which he should have put away.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Burke (On for Svensson): - Did his chances of getting his place back the power of good by drilling in great shot after being on the park for only three minutes!
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Sebo (On for Prso): - Debut for the much talked about striker. Looks to have the strength to play in the SPL and also looks to have goals in him, thank god! Serious selection dilemmas on the way for PLG.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

PLG: - The honeymoon is over and it’s now down to serious business. The result today might even force some hands in making a couple more moves in the transfer market.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

The football on show is tremendous but nice looking teams don’t always win trophies, just ask Tommy Burns! Here’s hoping that PLG is the man that can combine the two.


WATP


Baz.