How error-strewn Rangers conspired to drop two vital points in Dingwall - data match report

It all started so well for the champions when debutant Amad Diallo tapped home from close range after four minutes but the Light Blues would go in at halftime 2-1 down due to the first of two glaring errors from Allan McGregor and another defensive howler.

James Tavernier would level matters four minutes after the restart before Connor Goldson headed the Ibrox side ahead on 72 minutes only for another McGregor calamity deep into stoppage time that allowed Matthew Wright to salvage a point for the Staggies.

Here is the all-important data from a disappointing afternoon for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men.

As we can see, Rangers’ defensive frailties are highlighted in Ross County’s Cumulative xG of 1.71. All three of the home side’s goals came from unforced errors and that will frustrate and concern van Bronckhorst with the Old Firm derby on the horizon.

If we take a close look at the goals that were conceded, we get a true sense of how costly those mistakes made by McGregor were.

For Jordan White’s first-half equaliser, McGregor fumbles a Hungbo cross at his near post which allows the Staggies striker to tap into an empty net.

Calvin Bassey’s fresh air swipe allows Regan Charles-Cook in on goal to slot past McGregor for his 10th goal of the season. It was a costly error from Bassey but Charles-Cook still had work to do to beat McGregor but the Grenada international did so with ease.

Just as Rangers were on the verge of taking all three points, McGregor would somehow knee a ball inside his six-yard box, straight into the path of White who had the simplest of tasks to prod home.

Pass Network

As expected, Rangers dominated possession yesterday although it’s evidently clear Cedric Itten, perhaps a surprise starter, was less involved than the rest of the outfield players.

He struggled to impose himself on the game and was replaced by Kemar Roofe who looked more threatening and was unlucky not to score when he saw a shot cannon off the post.

Heading into a crucial Old Firm derby, it will be a surprise to see the big Swiss lead the line. He just doesn’t look comfortable enough as Rangers’ frontman and is low on confidence.

Shot Maps

As we can see in the illustrations below, Rangers conversion rate compared to Ross County’s makes for grim reading.

To score three goals from six attempts, where two were laid on a plate, tells you where the Light Blues problems lie. Despite tightening up at the back when van Bronckhorst took charge, mistakes and sloppiness has begun to reappear since the team returned from the winter break.

It’s one thing conceding chances, it’s another when you give away gifts to the opposition like we witnessed yesterday.

Amad Diallo

The one shining light from the events in Dingwall was the display of debutant Amad Diallo. The 19-year-old Ivorian made an instant impact after netting the opener when he tapped home a perfectly weighted pass from Joe Aribo.

If we look at his involvement in closer detail we can see just what he will bring to this Rangers team. Similarly to Ianis Hagi, he is left-footed so likes to come inside on his stronger foot as we can see in the illustration.

He ventured towards the edge of the penalty area on a few occasions and saw a shot deflected wide for a corner. Speaking to Rangers TV after the game, van Bronckhorst was pleased with the Manchester United man’s performance: “You could see his quality, he made the first goal and was very good in the space at the second post.

“You can see what he can give to the team, he’s got the talent but we had to bring him off. Overall it was a good performance by him but we are disappointed by the draw.”

Amad certainly looks to be Rangers' answer to what has been the problematic right-wing position and, if fit, it’s likely he’ll start again at Parkhead in midweek.

Conclusion

Based purely on chances created Rangers should’ve won this match comfortably. However, a failure to kill off the opposition when ahead and three defensive mistakes have resulted in the reigning champions dropping two valuable points.

Wednesday’s match will take care of itself but there will be a genuine concern, going forward, of dropping more points to clubs such as Ross County should they struggle to put the game to bed. Pittodrie and now Dingwall have highlighted a fragility in the Rangers rear-guard that needs to be addressed quickly.