IN an attempt to describe the goal Rangers conceded during today's 2-1 win over Livingston, Giovanni van Bronckhorst settled on “impossible”.
His side added unnecessary variables to a game that was already challenging earlier today in West Lothian. Having started brightly and broke the defensive line, Joel Nouble’s fifth-minute opener changed the outlook entirely.
"It's a very easy goal,” van Bronckhorst told the BBC post-match.
“It should not have happened. We knew the strength of Livingston with the long balls and second balls so we weren't sharp enough in that moment.”
🎙️"Talk about taking your moment on the opening weekend of the season!"
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) July 30, 2022
Joel Nouble scores the first goal of the new season to give @LiviFCOfficial an early lead over Rangers! Watch it live on @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/1EDZPaejrz
Clearly, the hosts set up to launch attacks towards the Rangers left. Borna Barisic and John Souttar haven't convinveced as a left-sided partnership during pre-season and were responsible for the opener.
Below, Shamal George’s free-kick is aimed at Nicky Devlin, Livingston’s right-back who pushed up the pitch to provide a target. Rangers have marked up man-for-man in midfield, with Connor Goldson spare at the back.
From a Rangers perspective, the first mistake occurs when Devlin makes contact. Barisic jogs backwards as his opponent heads the ball forwards. Presumably, the Croatian is counting on his centre-back partnership to win their two-against-one.
Giving the left-back the benefit of the doubt, he may well have realised that Devlin was going to win the header and attempted to adjust his positioning as a result. Even so, it was his man who was able to rise unchallenged and provide an assist.
Souttar remains tight with Nouble, holding his shirt and trying to win the ball. However, Nouble gets goalside and manages to outmuscle the Scotland defender, creating a one-v-one opportunity.
By the time Goldson reacts, Nouble still has plenty to do. Jon McLaughlin has come off his line but in doing so, leaves his goal empty and is lobbed as a result.
Rangers lost first and second contact. Livingston took three touches to go from back to front and score. Souttar may well have sold the chance far too easily, but Barisic’s lack of a challenge offered Devlin the chance to direct his header, rather than simply sending a knock-on forwards.
It should be said that Nouble's finish was by no means 'easy or impossible'. The forward enjoyed an excellent game and bullied the visiting defence in periods. However, any manager or supporter would bemoan the easy concession of such a high-level chance.
"Not just him, the whole defence,” van Bronckhorst said regarding Souttar’s role in the goal.
“How we were setting up. No duel when the ball comes and a free header inside. It's impossible. We have to react better to the second ball.
"We will be fine. It's the first game of the season. We have to learn from it and be stronger in the coming games."
A trip to the Toni Macaroni stadium is hard enough without going behind and playing against a deep defensive block, Rangers saw genuine attempts on goal limited until midway through the second half. Goals from Scott Arfield and James Tavernier secured three points as van Bronckhorst's side found a way to win when not at their best.
To concede any ground as a result of the early opener would’ve chipped away at opening day optimism.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here