Rangers’ run of poor starts has continued after conceding the first goal against Brondby in Thursday’s Europa League tie.
This was the tenth instance this season that the club has conceded first, going across both European and domestic matches.
To compare, last season, the side only conceded first in seven games across the whole campaign.
Of course, last year was something of an anomaly. We might never see a season like that again.
This season has been totally different, with the team largely struggling to click into gear. The defence, which is usually our strongest area, has been disappointing.
What has been the change? The reintroduction of capacity crowds perhaps? There could conceivably be a link of sorts between empty stadiums last season and how well we played compared to sluggishness so far this campaign.
Before the lockdown in March 2020, the side went on a terrible run of form, and many attributed it to pressure and failing to cope with the crowds at Ibrox. Instead of spurring the side on, we seemed to collapse under the pressure.
Questions of mentality were largely disproved by a record 55th title, though, and the quality of the squad has improved.
So why have Rangers seemingly regressed?
The chopping and changing of the team hasn’t helped. Last season, we had a settled starting XI with players ready to step into the side if necessary.
With a combination of injuries and new signings taking time to settle, it was always going to be tough to replicate the start we had in the previous campaign.
It almost feels as if it’s one step forward and two steps back for the current team. Arguably, our best performance of the season against Motherwell on Sunday was followed by a lethargic showing against Europa League foes Brondby.
This is something that we desperately need to find a solution to, and fast. If we can eradicate these poor starts, then the title is there for the taking.
Hopefully, we can have more days like this if the title is retained
