Rangers’ defeat in Sweden on Tuesday was their first in any European qualifier under the management of Steven Gerrard.
Two goals in a two-minute period saw the game run away from the Ibrox side, but a late flurry capped off by a wonderful Steven Davis strike makes the task at home next week that little bit easier.
Courtesy of Wyscout, The Rangers Review brings you an alternative, data-driven match report from the encounter.
Trendline
The match’s xG trendline seems to agree with the general consensus of opinion. The visitors shaded the first half on the value of chances, fell away drastically after half-time, but recovered to dominate the final 15 minutes.
READ MORE: Rangers 1-2 Malmo: An anatomy of two minutes of madness analysed
Malmo’s aggression at the start of the second half was noticeable, but based on the manner in which Rangers had defended for the opening half, you can understand why they tried to absorb pressure before the first goal as opposed to pressing up the pitch.
This wasn't a game that had many high-value chances. Gerrard's side in the opening 45 were relatively comfortable but did evidently miss the ability the likes of Roofe, Morelos, Hagi, Kamara and Aribo bring in the final third.
Shot maps
Malmo ended the match with an xG rating of 0.47 and Rangers 0.33. Neither team had a huge amount of chances, only recording three and two shots on goal respectively.
Particularly in the first half, the visitors had a number of ‘nearly moments’. Cedric Itten’s breakaway, Ryan Kent making it past two players but stopped by the third when in on goal, Sakala’s blocked effort from Wright’s cutback.
Perhaps a front three more familiar with one another would have been more efficient. In saying that, Wright and Itten both performed well on the night.
The xG rating of Rieks' goal backs up the view that Allan McGregor was perhaps slightly slow across his goalline to narrow the angle. Birmancevic's strike however was placed out of reach.
Pass maps
Scott Arfield’s higher position than John Lundstram shows the latter was tasked with providing defensive cover alongside Davis, to complement James Tavernier's offensive effort.
Although he was promising in spells, it showed the former Sheffield United player will take time to adjust to the defensive responsibilities bestowed on wide central midfielders at Rangers. He was too slow to provide defensive width at the first goal.
The home side’s pass map demonstrates their emphasis of playing down the right, detailed by the thicker lines. Christiansen (10) is also stationed slightly more towards the right of his position, accounting for his intention to overload on this side.
In terms of involvement, Christiansen and Oscar Lewicki played the most passes of any player outside of the back three. They were both key to their team’s game plan and played tactically disciplined roles to unlock the opposition.
Attacks by flanks
Malmo’s game plan is succinctly summated in this 'attacks by flanks' map. All of their offensive moves which ended in a meaningful chance came through progressing the ball from the right flank or centrally.
Their first goal showed exactly what they were trying to do in possession. Jo Inge Berget and Lewicki were stationed wide to receive the ball in space, Christiansen drifted into the forward line to drag James Tavernier out of position, knowing both opposing centre-backs were occupied.
If Malmo weren’t able to find a way to goal through diagonal runs and a cut-back, the switch to goal scorer Soren Rieks was theoretically available. Due to Tavernier being made to cover the intelligent movement of Christiansen and Lundstram having to make up ground to track Rieks.
It’s also telling that Malmo attacked down the side they knew would have a midfielder playing somewhat out of position.
While Arfield has performed admirably in Europe over a number of years, he does not offer the same defensive protection as a Ryan Jack or Glen Kamara and was also not aggressive enough in the lead up to the first goal.
Summary
There was very little between the teams on Tuesday. In the end, Malmo's aggression offensively was not matched by their opponents defensively who were undone.
A more coherent performance should be forthcoming next week, with the return of key individuals.
Backed by a capacity crowd and wary of their opponent's threats, Rangers will be confident they can progress.
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