FOR much of yesterday’s trip to Dens Park it seemed as though Rangers’ ponderous start would equate to more dropped points on the road and crucial ground lost in the title race.
After falling victim to a number of late goals this season, an 86th-minute winner was just reward for the attacking efforts on the day. James Tavernier’s missed penalty and numerous second-half chances combined to record an xG total that was more than deserving of the win.
The game was strikingly similar to the recent away tie just a stones throw from Dens Park against Dundee United. On that day no winner was forthcoming despite relentless pressure, against Mark McGhee’s men the introduction of Kemar Roofe and a half-time shape alteration proved the difference.
In recent weeks Giovanni van Bronckhorst has settled on an asymmetrical 4-2-3-1; with Scott Arfield or Aaron Ramsey drifting infield from the right, a two-man midfield facilitating attacking runs from either full-back and a No.10 ahead of that pair, evident in the first-half pass map.
The plan from the start yesterday was the same; you can see both James Sands and John Lundstram dropping deep to offer passing routes early on as Rangers tried to create numerical overloads past the first lines of Dundee pressure.
However, a bobbly surface and improved opposition ensured attacking moments were few and far between. In addition, Dundee’s early goal gave them a lead to hold onto. The visitors created an xG (expected goals) of 0.65 before the break and 0.47 of that total originated from crosses or set-pieces.
The attacking rhythm of recent fixtures was absent and change at the break a necessary.
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Joe Aribo and Fashion Sakala's half-time introduction saw Ramsey move centrally, Lundstram drop into defence and both full-backs granted more freedom offensively as shown in the pass network. Tavernier benefitted from Sakala’s direct running which stretched the home defence and opened up gaps centrally, evident for the winning goal.
Comparison of the Zambian’s pass and carry map from the second half to Ramsey’s first 45 demonstrates this change of role on the right.
On the opposing side, Calvin Bassey tucked infield to offer extra cover with just one defensive midfielder playing. As well as guarding against opposition counterattacks, it improved the angle of his passes into Kent’s feet and catered for the overlap. Whereas before the interval, the back four’s flat positioning resulted in straight balls up the line, easily defended by the hosts.
The game-changing moment arrived from the bench. Roofe’s introduction, as was the case a fortnight ago against Aberdeen, proved to be the difference. Unquestionably the team’s best finisher, and most adept at finding space in crowded central areas, he occupied areas in the final third that won the game.
To equalise, it was Roofe’s movement at the back post that led to Ramsey finishing into an open goal. After a corner was cleared he stayed alive and, more importantly, remained unmarked to meet Tavernier’s deep cross.
Goldson’s late winner was created by Roofe’s penalty-box occupation as well as Tavernier’s central positioning.
As play moved forwards Sakala’s spot on the right-wing allowed the captain to make an underlap inside the pitch untracked.
Tavernier can enter the final third and is only pressurised just outside the Dundee box, by which point Rangers have good numbers in the penalty box. Roofe’s shot is scuffed but makes its way into the path of Goldson and his lofted finish over the keeper secures the points.
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As he has done with such regularity, van Bronckhorst changed the dynamics of his side which in turn forced the opponent to adapt in-game. The freedom with which Tavernier attacked for the winner was a rare moment the hosts switched off, perhaps expecting the right-back to instead overlap and cross.
The touchline tinkering is proving impactful domestically and in Europe. The challenge now is perhaps to allow these lessons to dictate the starting 11.
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