Instant Rangers analysis: Kilmarnock defeats sparks inquest

Brad Lyons capitalised on a John Souttar error to give Derek McInnes' side the win

Here's our instant analysis from Rugby Park.

A first half that set the tone

Dessers’ late untaken chance epitomised Rangers’ struggles before the break. With Kilmarnock deep, narrow and fighting for any loose ball, the visitors’ possession on a dry pitch didn’t have the snap nor speed to exploit any gaps that did materialise. Sam Lammers couldn’t get involved and while Abdallah Sima made some dangerous runs, his end product lacked. Rangers were unable to build sustained periods of pressure around the home side’s goal. Styles make fights but whether they tried to stretch the defence behind, find pockets ahead or go down the sides, nothing really came off for Beale’s men prior to the interval. There was to be no change thereafter. Seasons are long but this was the worst possible start Beale could’ve envisioned to the season. Not only a defeat, but a deserved one that lacked much in the way of mitigation. With the pressure already intense, things just became all the more heated. With Servette visiting Ibrox on Wednesday and an Old Firm just three league games away, there was already no room for errors and in whatever way you square it, a defeat on the opening day is just that. 

Joshua Barrie

Why did Rangers look so disjointed?

Rangers won the first eight away games that Michael Beale managed after arriving last season. The formula seemed to scarcely deviate from the approach at home and benefit from the space more aggressive opponents left. Today at Rugby Park the visitors failed to set the tone of the game. Beyond their inability to create chances Rangers were not in control. This match became fast, frenetic and too much of a fight, more suited to the hosts’ game plan than what Beale’s side were trying to achieve. Kilmarnock played the more cohesive, dangerous football and recovered into a resolute shape never really in danger of being exposed. At the start of a new season, new squad and a new era, this was a game unfortunately seen before.

Joshua Barrie

Dessers difficulties

Cyriel Dessers failed to impress in the first half and he still looks short of full fitness. He looked frustrated at a lack of service at times, but he appeared to be lacking sharpness. Although it’s difficult against a low block, Dessers only managed a handful of touches in the opening half hour and he appeared indecisive when he spurned the chance to pull the trigger from a good position. The expectation is that Dessers and Danilo will be Beale’s preferred strike partnership this season but Abdallah Sima looked brighter than the former at Rugby Park. 

Euan Robertson

READ MORE: Michael Beale Rangers reaction: Every word from press conference

Creativity concern

As expected, Rangers dominated possession but they didn't do anywhere near enough with it. There was a lack of urgency at times, an inability to beat a player in one-on-one situations and Rangers failed to pull the Kilmarnock defenders out of their shape. Derek McInnes' men defended deep and invited Rangers to break them down but they couldn't. The sign of Borna Barisic whipping balls into the box was depressing and fans will rightly question Todd Cantwell's omission from the starting eleven. 

Euan Robertson

Worst start imaginable 

There's been plenty of positivity around Rangers this summer due to their business in the transfer market. However, it was imperative to make a good start to the season and that failed to materialise after a terrible defeat. Winning the title was the main objective this season and Rangers are already playing catch-up. Beale wanted to refresh his squad this summer but there was a sense of deja vu as Rangers suffered the same problems that cost them dear in previous seasons. There seemed a lack of believe from the players that they could get back in the game. The pressure will now be ramped up on Beale and his players - they simply need to do much better.

Euan Robertson