Roofe Returns and Tav Scores a Screamer in Dingwall Victory

Why does Kemar Roofe have to be injury prone? When he’s fit, as was shown yesterday, he’s a top quality striker. Which now raises the question, if he can stay fit, is he first choice for Rangers?

It was a comfortable win in Dingwall yesterday. The first half is probably the best half of football Rangers have played this season. Some of the interplay was great, some really nice short, sharp passing moves. It really looks like everything is coming together.

Maybe not so much in the second half but the game was over by that point. If Rangers can play the way they did in the first half consistently, they’ll blow teams away domestically. That’s with everything not even fully clicking yet!

With 24 shots you would hope for some more clear cut chances but that will come. The quality of the goals was the most impressive thing. I’m not sure anyone other than Kemar Roofe scores that first goal. He’s tussling with the defender, falling backwards and still connects perfectly to volley it home.

Then there was Tavernier’s goal, wow. The captain intercepted a pass in his own half and drove forward. He then cut inside to the middle and whipped a beautiful curling effort away from Laidlaw into the top left corner, screamer.

Overall, the team is improving with every game, let’s look at some positives from the performance.

The Return of Kemar Roofe

I understand the frustrations regarding the Jamaican striker. He’s came in on undoubtedly high wages but when he’s fit and available, he’s the best striker at the club. Potentially even the best striker in Scotland.

If he can stay fit this season he will be huge in Rangers quest for trophies and a European run. His goal yesterday was pretty ridiculous. He had no right to score that or even get that good of a contact on the ball, but he did.

That’s how good he can be. He also created two chances yesterday, he’s just a top quality all round striker when he’s available. I really hope he can stay fit for this season.

He had this to say after the game;

I can’t put into words how tough it’s been. If I explained it all, you wouldn’t understand it unless you’ve been through it. I’m not here for sympathy or to complain. It’s part of the game, it’s life. Hopefully, this will be the last of it and I can kick on now.

Kemar Roofe to RTV

‘Another Great Pen From Tav’

Social media was filled with messages stating the above yesterday. Many say the captain only scored penalties but he showed his technical ability with the goal yesterday.

He does brilliantly to nip in and win the ball back them immediately drives forward. Takes it inside passes a Ross County player and places it beyond Laidlaw into the top corner. How many other Rangers players score that goal?

It was a world class strike and the type of thing that he is capable of regularly, not just from a dead ball. How highly do you rate that in terms of his goals for the club?

Another Good Display Off The Bench For Matondo

The winger looks like a player reborn. He’s playing with so much confidence and is willing to get on the ball and make things happen instead of just making runs in behind. He came on for half an hour yesterday and had the most dribbles (4) and was the most fouled played (3) in the match. He had a couple of decent efforts at goal and one wild swing in injury time but watching him, it’s like a completely different player.

From the left he looks so much more dangerous, was a switch of sides really all he needed? Probably not but something has happened in preseason that’s put a spring in his step. He now looks like a player that can really contribute for Rangers this season, I just hope that he can keep these performances up.

Conclusion

Fans wanted a win at all costs and that was duly granted by the team. The first half way very impressive and while the second half wasn’t as slick attacking wise, it was still comfortable. Three points and no injury issues, exactly what was needed going into Wednesday.

The team has looked better every game competitive game they’ve played and the next week is huge already in terms of this season. Away to Eindhoven on Wednesday then at home to Celtic on Sunday. Despite it being so early in the season, this already feels like it could be a make or break week.

Are you confident going in the games on Wednesday and Sunday? I genuinely think this Rangers side has enough quality to win both games, let’s hope the lads show what they’re capable of.

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ICYMI read my thoughts on the impact Rabbi Matondo can have here.