Michael Beale didn’t just need a result against Real Betis, he needed his Rangers players to show that they were playing for him, the fans and the club.
They did that and more in a win that restores a battered reputation and sets about putting right a few wrongs in continental football.
What Michael Beale has done after the international break hasn’t been perfect by any stretch of the imagination but he has Rangers, finally, heading in the right direction.
Michael Beale address Rangers failings with Betis reaction
When Rangers News suggested that the Gers boss was failing on three counts, it’s good to see that he has addressed all of the obvious and major issues that were holding the team back.
The 1-0 win over Real Betis saw a few noticeable improvements.
- There is more pace in the team.
- The formation has been changed.
- Players look comfortable in positions that they are used to.
The win over Betis was fully deserved and, despite Manuel Pellegrini’s comments, a bigger score line wouldn’t have flattered Rangers.
The defence, with Jack Butland in charge, continues to look well organised – with no individual lapses, chances are being restricted.
In terms of numbers, 0.8xGA or, expected goals against, does not back up the Betis manager’s claim that Butland was keeping us in the game.
Pace works against any team but, with Rabbi Matondo and Abdallah Sima, he had two players who could support Kemar Roofe one minute and back up the defence the next.
They also offered an out ball when there was space to get in behind the Spaniards.
They are both far from the finished articles but are making a difference.
It sounds simple on paper, but all Michael Beale has done is simplify his game plan in terms of how Rangers are set up instead of forcing square pegs into round holes.
Improve the final ball and execution of chances and we have ourselves a team.
Beating a La Liga side isn’t a bad place to start though.
