The end of the storm?
A much improved display last night against Rangers then, as comfortable a 2-0 win as you’re likely to see. The big talking point before the game however was the formation change. Call it 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2 or 4-2-4 it doesn’t really matter, the main difference was the two sitting midfielders. A number of us have been calling for this switch for some time now, especially this season where we’ve been so desperately open at the back and it made a huge difference.
First things first, you want to get your best players on the pitch at the same time where possible and I don’t think anyone would argue our best players are in midfield this season but we do have a wealth of attacking talent so the formation change of switching a midfielder for an attacker makes sense but it was defensively I thought it made the biggest difference. I thought Hendo had his best game in god knows how long, offering Trent the kind of protection that’s been so lacking this season. Our press also became far more streamlined and in sync than it has been in recent weeks and Rangers didn’t pose much of a threat, one outrageous goal line clearance from Tsimikas aside but it would have flattered Rangers even more than 2-0 did.
Up front, Jota and Nunez gave us an extra injection of energy, Jota’s pressing has always been good but he carries the ball progressively as well and often is the one to get us up the pitch. Desperately unlucky not to get on the scoresheet as well, having forced Alan McGregor into what has to be one of the saves of the tournament.
Speaking of McGregor, he and Nunez were having their own personal battle, Darwin forcing the keeper into a string of saves. He looked lively did Darwin but you can tell his game is still raw and needs to be polished a fair bit, which is understandable given last season was really just his breakout season. I admire his work rate although he was a bit of a headless chicken at times, popping up all over the place when he could really do with holding a more central role. Ideally we want him on the end of crosses, not being the one delivering them. You can see he’s desperate to make an impact at the moment though, which is understandable. He’s also still getting used to his teammates, although he and Salah seem to have found a promising connection that will only improve with time. He could do with a goal now to settle his nerves but promising from the lad.
I write this with the caveat that Rangers are at a significantly lower level than us, I don’t think they have a single player that would get in a top half PL team. They didn’t really seem to have a plan, they didn’t park the bus exactly but didn’t really have a go either as we bossed the game from the off. You can only beat what’s in front of you but I don’t want to get carried away just yet, as there will be far sterner tests to come, including next week’s return leg at Ibrox which will be absolutely bouncing.
I’m going for Trent as my McMOTM. He’s been getting a lot of stick recently but showed great character to step up and knock in an absolute beauty of a free kick. Another thing I like about Trent’s character is that you don’t hear from him. He’s not posting stuff on social media or having digs at pundits. He just keeps his head down and does his talking on the pitch and last night was far more the Trent we’re used to seeing, although I do think that was in no small part due to the tactical switch.
Anyway speaking of sterner tests, we play league leaders Arsenal on Sunday who have had a flying start to the season but victory over the gunners would be huge for team confidence and send a statement that we’re still a force to be reckoned with after a poor start. I really hope we continue with the double pivot in midfield as I do feel that played a huge part in our improved performance.
Green shoots of recovery then but our true test will come in our upcoming games against Arsenal and City before we can really say we’re back. Until Sunday, walk on!
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