Any readers out there who may have followed my columns this season over at The 4th Official will know that I’ve battered the drum talking about how Rangers have looked a different mental monster since Philippe Clement arrived in Govan.
Several matches in the last six months where points were gained would have resulted in defeats under previous regimes. The notable examples being the 2-1 home victory over Hearts and last weekend’s 3-3 draw against Celtic.
However, certain results have masked a worrying decline in form since the impressive 5-0 win over Hearts in March. The weekend’s embarrassing display in Dingwall meant it has been just four points from the last twelve on offer in the league.
For those who suffered through the 3-2 defeat to Ross County on Sunday, it will have brought back too many painful memories of seasons gone by as it was a showing all too familiar to fans who’ve followed this particular group of players.
The Lack of a Solid Spine
To build a successful footballing side, it has always been important to have a solid spine. I always remember the successful Chelsea team of the 2000s. With the likes of Cech, Terry, Lampard and Drogba leading them to so many bits of silverware.
Right now, the spine of the Rangers side would be lucky to lace those men’s boots at present. That is what is contributing to this team faltering so close to the title finish line.
Jack Butland would obviously be the one exception to this. He is still performing at a good to high standard despite conceding six in two games. It’s those playing in front of him that is cause for concern. Most of which are those who’ve been here and done it for many years now.
Connor Goldson’s decline in the last two months has been frightening. Tt looks as though the injuries suffered last season are really taking their toll on him. Now every team just seems to be targeting him time and time again.
In the middle of the park, John Lundstram has gone from performing at a standard that would rank him as a candidate for player of the year, to being unable to perform the basics required for a footballer. He isn’t dominating games anymore which is leaving our defence badly exposed.
Then there is Cyriel Dessers. He continues to be the most Jekyll and Hyde striker in Rangers history. When you look at his overall stats, he looks like he’s contributed a great deal to the cause.
So often when you really need him, it can take four or five chances for him to get his goal. That eventually comes back to bite you. It happened at Celtic Park in December and it happened at Dingwall as well with two sitters.
As a secondary striker, on less wages for a smaller outlay, he’d be fine. Unfortunately, he’s just not cut out to be a main Rangers Number 9.
Conclusion
Given what Clement has done to-date with this squad, you still can’t rule out the title being completely gone as we are still within a win at top spot.
But for the club not to make a long term sustainable surge to become Scotland’s leading force once more, solidifying the spine of the team needs to be the manager’s top priority over the summer.
Be in making moves for new additions such as Lawrence Shankland or rejuvenating someone like Nico Raskin who has just not got going at all this season. We can’t continue to work with the old guard who’ve been subjected to more failure than success during their tenures.
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