There was plenty to be positive about with regards the Rangers performance against St Johnstone. To go into a match with high confidence, and then see the team back that up, is a scenario we haven’t seen in a while. The quality of the goals in recent matches has been high, and the number of chances increasing. There were a few talking points to come out of the game, and unfortunately one of those is negative.
THE REFEREE
Steven McLean was the referee for this game. Unfortunately, a couple of incidents led to him being criticised, and it was right to do so. The kick on Bates just before half time by Kerr was ludicrous, and should have seen a red card. The referee gave the player a yellow, suggesting he’d seen something amiss. There was no way to justify a yellow card in that situation. There were also a number of late challenges and fouls which should have led to bookings, and one of those has meant that Jamie Murphy has picked up an injury.
The biggest problem here is the reaction of some fans. I can agree, and get on board, with the opinion that referees in Scotland are poor. I can also feel the frustration when it comes to injuries through bad challenges that don’t seem to be punished. Where I can’t agree is the notion that by not saying very much in public about this, Graeme Murty is somehow to blame. That’s not a logical argument at all. Referees might start to dish out more red cards, but that’s not guaranteed at all. I certainly don’t believe opposing teams will change their approach, and in truth a lot of that is down to our players being a bit quicker and sharper rather than them going to hurt anyone.
We shouldn’t let the standard of refereeing and physical nature of our opponents become something that’s somehow our fault. The team is playing well, scoring goals and overcoming those challenges. That’s about the only real way you can deal with that.
GREG DOCHERTY
When Rangers were linked with Docherty, many fans were excited. We’d seen enough to think he’d be a cracking player, especially as he developed. I’m not sure, though, that this level of ability was expected by many, if anyone at all. Docherty looks like a complete midfielder at the age of 21. He’s strong, quick, reads the game well, has good vision for a pass, and can strike a ball. His style is very reminiscent of Steven Davis, and this is all after only a few games.
There will be performances where he’s not as good, or struggling for a bit of form. With his attitude and level of ability, though, it seems unlikely he won’t become a top player in a short space of time. Given he’s not entirely tied to Scotland in an International sense yet, it would be criminal if Alex McLeish isn’t making him a priority.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
Rangers have now scored 27 goals since the turn of the year. It’s not just been impressive in terms of quantity, but quality as well. The fourth goal against Hamilton, the second goal against St Johnstone, the first goal against Partick – all beautiful team goals scored recently. There’s been bits of individual brilliance, such as Tavernier against Partick or Murphy against Hearts. Sean Goss has added goals from free kicks, and we hadn’t even hit target with one before he signed this season. We’re playing with real confidence, and genuinely entertaining the fans.
THE POINTS GAP
The postponement of the Celtic match today means that there will be only 6 points between the teams in the upcoming league game. With the way Rangers are playing, and the game being at Ibrox, there’s a real growing feeling of that being only 3 come the end of that weekend. If that’s the case, Rangers then play Kilmarnock at home the day before Celtic face Motherwell. It would be a chance to be level on points, and put some pressure on their games in hand.
As discussed in Monday’s article, I still believe it’s too big an ask this season. It would be nice, though, to see how they react to some real pressure.
Anything you’d like to talk about regarding Rangers? Tweet us @rangersnewsuk and we’ll be happy to discuss!