Daniel Candeias’ goal against St Mirren at the weekend brought one key question – was it a goal or a cross?
The Portuguese hero struck on the 80th minute to get Rangers their long-awaited opening goal in a tough encounter in Paisley. The goal was added to shortly after by Alfredo Morelos. It was Rangers’ second consecutive away win in the Premiership.
Steven Gerrard claimed that Candeias stated he meant his looping effort. To say the least, the fan reaction to the goal has been one of overwhelming agreement that it was a fluky cross.
And it seems Ejaria has finally been able to spill the beans. Touching on the big win over the Buddies at the weekend, Ejaria confirmed everyone’s suspicions.
“Daniel said it was a cross for his opener but we’ll take that and then Alfredo finished really well from a tight angle. He scores a lot of goals, which is crucial, because they win you games. If he keeps scoring hopefully he can keep helping the team win games.
“He works hard for the team, protects the ball quite well. He’s a handful and gives defenders a tough game. We’re really happy that we have him.
“We want to win every game and that was why we celebrated the way we did when Daniel scored. Everyone was really happy we made the breakthrough.”
No surprises
It’s quite clear on replays that Candeias is set for the cross. When he collects the ball, he has a glance up to see his options in the box. It was, in the end, another terrible Candeias delivery. The fact is, however, it turned into the best cross he’s ever put in the box.
Rangers’ win in St Mirren was huge regardless of that opener. In what had been a pressure-filled week, it was just important Rangers got the points. Candeias’ goal was a huge weight off everyone’s shoulders in Paisley against what had been a stuffy St Mirren side.
Rangers are still having problems going forward, however. For too long against the Buddies did it look as though a draw was going to be the outcome. There needs to be a higher element of control in games for Rangers.
Supporters know that they’re capable. Rangers have routed Dundee and St Johnstone in consecutive meetings this season. Since then, however, they’ve failed to really get on the goal trail.
For now, however, Rangers fans will just be thanking the heavens that Candeias over-hit that cross on Saturday.
