As Rangers prepared to face off against Motherwell, the club’s fans at least were buoyed by Celtic’s earlier slip-up at Hibs, which meant the gap could be cut to a single point with a win.
This – effectively – would banish the ghosts of last week’s stuttering draw with Dundee United, which came amid relentless Rangers pressure and some majorly dodgy refereeing.
As the Ibrox side kicked off, it appeared that the Rangers team were ready to match the Ibrox fans, Alfredo Morelos hitting the bar within a minute and the side putting pressure on the Well goal.
Two goals in a matter of first half minutes, the first either an Alfredo Morelos ricochet or a Bevis Mugabi own goal and the second a fine finish by Fashion Sakala, his fifth against Motherwell this season, would reinforce that belief.
But what Rangers seen in the second half – Rangers surrendering a two-goal lead to draw the match 2-2 – was yet another domestic failure from a team who earned all the plaudits in midweek but will feel the criticism tenfold this weekend.
Dortmund is gone – thanks for that – but because of their domestic shortcomings this team and this management are now very much in danger of being hauled to the chopping block.
You only need to look at the reaction online.
Rangers mentality once again in question after Motherwell draw
This wasn’t a disaster – the gap remains three points and perspective is important – but for many Rangers fans, it was a startling insight into the mentality of a side who didn’t take Motherwell seriously enough and who once again frivolously chucked away points in a narrow title run-in.
Individual mistakes, a lack of concentration, complacency against Scottish opposition, a lack of guts, balls and bite, two dubious offside goals – these are the buzz terms of the day.
But the sorest feeling around the result – Rangers’ woeful record of 13 points from 24 from the break not worthy form of title winners – is that the fans are being let down. And they are.
Wins against Borussia Dortmund are great – the management and the players deserve credit – but there is a questionable arrogance about Rangers on domestic duty that is not befitting of the club’s following.
We want prizes, we want trophies, we want prestige and we want a team and club who’ll fight to the bitter end for that.
Whether it’s because of experimental line-ups from a cocky management, a lack of composure, commitment or concentration, or a reluctance to rotate when players are out form or fitness, doubts are creeping in regarding whether the available capabilities from the backroom to the first-team can actually deliver this title.
It’s contributing to a feeling that Rangers are chucking it away and whilst it might hurt these players, it’s that lack of guts and rage-inducing complacency that is hurting the fans more.
We deserve better than soundbites and if this team or management can’t deliver that, the fans will make sure we find a team or management who can.
Meanwhile, one Premier League boss has been making a startling Rangers admission after the Europa League draw was made.
