Just once it would be lovely to watch a game and not be riddled with acute anxiety.

The Kilmarnock game threatened, for a short while, to be an enjoyable watch until old habits crept back in and [like the end on Sunday] we somehow contrived to almost throw it away. However, all things considered, we once again found in-game solutions and responded extremely well to claim a good three points.

On the back of 120 minutes played at on the Hampden bog, a few changes and how the game developed it is actually okay to be pleased with the very real fact that we won the match.

It’s also okay to recognise what a promising start, results-wise, Michael Beale has made. Victories in Aberdeen, Dingwall, Tannadice, Rugby Park as well as a League Cup semi-final is solid form in places we may have become unstuck before. But results certainly mask the real story as problems have also been undeniable.

The goalkeeper situation is worrisome. One is an undoubted legend but age catches up with us all. His potential replacement is something of a Jekyll and Hyde character. Jon McLaughlin looks comfortable one game then the next turns in a performance like Rugby Park when it seems like he’s been picked up off the street. I backed him as a solid option in goals, but he hasn’t taken his opportunity. It's a position that needs to be looked at as a priority.

Then there is the defence, now actively being targeted. Weeks ago I stressed my concerns over Ben Davies and was somewhat pilloried by the so-called experts. It was interesting to see him come in for criticism about his defending in the last few games. There are no doubt he is neat and tidy, but can he win duels and actually defend?

Those questions are still prevalent and I need to see more before committing to him as the answer and his defending for goals conceded in our last two matches worries me greatly. Sure Goldson has looked better but that’s because Davies is a natural CB, not a midfielder out of position. The partnership has looked fine. Ben still has a lot to show defensively. As for Borna - the left side is extremely vulnerable.

The midfield remains non-existent. Ryan Jack was missed and I think that speaks volumes - our midfield urgently needs fixing. Two goals up and against ten men we should be in control and pushing on, not getting caught and conceding poor goals before struggling to see out a game where we should have the pipe and slippers out.

So what does the manager fix first and where?

Well, Beale said in the coming days one or two may be in so that is a huge positive and hopefully those will bring some of the help we need. There have been plenty of suggestions of whom this may be but by the time you read this we should hopefully already know and be excited about their arrival at the club.

READ MORE: How Ryan Kent's Rangers freedom 'spooked' Kilmarnock's defensive plan

It will be nice to have some positives amid some of the recent gloom. I've been part of that myself at times. I don’t write things to be ultra-negative and repeatedly go on about the same old squad issues. I just can't ignore the urgent issues and it would be disingenuous to sit here and say we are winning ergo it’s all wonderful. As with Rangers' performances, the positives and negatives bound close together.

I do want to offer praise to the front men especially Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala. We all know the Zambian is rough and ready but six goal involvements in six games show he is contributing highly to the performances. Sure, he can stumble over the ball one minute then thrash in a volley the next, but there is no doubt Michael Beale is unlocking the best of him and giving him a platform to really influence this side.

Then there is Kent. Undoubtedly stagnating and hopelessly low on confidence before Beale returned, he now looks close to his influential best. He's getting into positions where he can really hurt teams and influence our team. The club have to do everything in its power to renew his contract. I’ve given him criticism at times this season because we all know how good he can be. We are seeing it now and that’s on the back of 120 minutes on Sunday of high performance. Kent will tear you apart again and Michael Beale, like Fashion, has reignited that spark when the ball arrives at his feet.

As for Alfredo, his goals were two excellent finishes and he delivered a bulldozing display which resembled something similar to his best moments. He also assisted on Sunday and is beginning to contribute once more. We have all criticised his form this season but undoubtedly hold out hope he can one day return consistently to his best. It may be a dream I can't let go but we can at least enjoy his performance at Rugby Park. It's funny that while we often talk about that Rugby Park pitch in less than glowing terms, Alfredo seems to enjoy it.

So there is positives and negatives to the team at the moment and that resembles the performances but I'm pleased at the trajectory overall. Beale is doing just fine. It’s key he solves issues and begins to, in his words, "iron out problems that are occurring in games." But we can be happy with what we are seeing at times. It was never going to be perfect nor does he have a magic wand that solves everything instantly but it’s certainly easier to fix issues when you're a winning side.