Throughout his tenure as manger of Rangers Steven Gerrard has often been criticized on his use of substitutes. Supporters are often demanding he makes changes quicker than he does. In tonight's Europa League Qualifying Round tie against Armenian champions Alashkert he made the decision to substitute Ryan Kent for Scott Wright at half time. With the score at 0-0 and Rangers down to ten men following John Lundstram's sending off in 43 minutes it was a massive call.
In the opening minute of the second half Scott Wright burst through the inside right channel and flashed a ball across the box which Ianis Hagi was close to turning into the the net. Ibrox rose as one and the whole atmosphere inside the stadium changed. This statement of intent from Wright was pivotal in changing Rangers approach to this vital game and justified Gerrard's call.
The first half had seen another passive performance from the Champions which lacked urgency and creativity. The best chance of the half fell to Ryan Kent who clipped the crossbar from 12 yards after being played in by Hagi. Kent should have scored and it was clear after the chance had passed that his confidence had taken a further knock when he over hit a simple pass to Morelos.
There were some bright sparks for Rangers in a rather insipid 45 minutes with Calvin Bassey justifying his selection ahead of Borna Barasic with a number of quality crosses from the left. Ianis Hagi was trying his best to create for Rangers with the young Romanian always looking to play forward when receiving the ball. Beside him in the middle of the park John Lundstram looked to be struggling to get up with the pace of the game and after 33 minutes was booked for pulling back the Alashkert full back.
Ten minutes later and Lundstram was dejectedly leaving the park having been sent off following a 2nd yellow card. Lundstram can have no complaints as he once again pulled back his opponent having been second to the ball. The fact the opposition player was still in his own half and cover was being provided by his team mates made Lundstram's rash decision even more galling.
With many Rangers supporters expecting to see the team from the far eastern reaches of Europe swept aside the crowd could have been vocal with their disappointment of how the team had approached the game in the first half. Instead the introduction of Wright got them on their feet and had them playing as the replacement for Lundtstram.
On the hour mark Rangers played their best football of the match so far with some slick interplay between Davis, Wright and Hagi on the right hand side. Hagi delivered an inch perfect cross to Morelos but the Colombian headed wide when he should have scored. El Buffalo was starting to have much more effect on the game, helped by having Wright playing closer to him and on 66 minutes he broke the deadlock.
James Tavenier, who had a quiet but effective game, played a ball in behind the Alashkert defence for Morelos to run onto. Whilst the Alashkert defence looked to the linesman hoping to see him raise his flag Morelos steadied himself before striking the ball through the goalkeepers legs and into the net. Ibrox erupted and more than one Scouser breathed a sigh of relief. Rangers continued to dominate the remainder of the game without troubling the opposition goalkeeper although Connor Goldson will feel he should have done better with a header from a corner on 80 minutes.
Rangers got the job done tonight, eventually, and although it's only half time in the tie they can go to Armenia with confidence that they can finish the job. Alashkert offered little in terms of attacking prowess and will need to play more offensively in the second leg which should allow Rangers to deploy a counter attacking game that has been used with devastating effect in previous European games.
Steven Gerrard will have much to discuss with his coaching staff following this game but that will include positives. Calvin Bassey more than justified his selection at left back and their is now genuine competition for that position in the team. In addition two players who last year may not have been guaranteed to be in the first XI, Hagi and Aribo, showed enormous desire and commitment tonight and look desperate to hold onto the jersey they are wearing.
Gerrard will also have to decide whether it's time to give Ryan Kent some extended time on the substitutes bench. Scott Wright's pace and directness in the second half gave Rangers something they were lacking in the first half. These are qualities we would normally associate with Kent but it's clear that he is currently out of form and may indeed benefit from some time out from the ire of impatient fans.
Rangers remain in command of the tie and whilst they would have preferred to travel into the second leg next Thursday with a more comfortable lead a fourth successive year in the Europa League remains a distinct possibility.
McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Helander, Bassey, Davis, Lundstram, Aribo (Arfield 81), Hagi (Kelly 90+5), Morelos (Itten 83), Kent (Wright 45)
WDTCR
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