Rousseau

RE: "The midfield three (outwith Kent, who had a roaming role) were not properly positioned to find each other; I felt they were all isolated. " I was so annoyed I switched it over to the Man City game, and although it was a slightly weakened side, you can see every time a midfielder has the ball, there are always options on the ball. Their structure is perfect: they're always 10 yards away from each other, staggered proportionally across the pitch. It means they have lots of options and easy passes to move opponents around, to work the space. When I look at us, too often there is just no options on the ball. The attacking midfielders go forward too early, meaning Jack has sideways passes to make, and the defenders start dithering. We have to build the ball up through the phases.

We were sluggish, and lacking a bit of fight -- but, anytime we do show fight we're getting booked left right a centre. We needed more urgency, though. I thought the tactics were fine, if not perfect. The Full-backs need to provide the width, but I thought they were too deep. The midfield three (outwith Kent, who had a roaming role) were not properly positioned to find each other; I felt they were all isolated. When we crossed the ball we had loads of players in the box! Which I thought we great. If the Full-backs were higher it would've been more fruitful. Even the deep crosses could've been better if the midfield/attackers could've dropped off. It seemed to me like it was just a lack of experience in the formation. Of course, he did change it: we went 4-3-3 towards the end, with more orthodox width. We maybe got in behind a couple of times, but the crosses were still not great and there were fewer players in the box. I feel like we gave them two goals. I don't know what it is about away games?

I have to disagree: when you see it again, McGregor had no chance...

Childish.

Final whistle blows. 3-2. Barasic goes down just before in considerable pain.

Palmer looks like he's just out the womb!

Poor performance overall, but the youngsters Houston and Kelly have not looked out of place. I didn't see the goal conceded, was McCrorie at fault at all? Another youngster, Palmer, comes on for Kelly,

This half has been the opposite: Quite solid defensively in a 4-3-3, but sh*te going forward.

This is when we concede...

Candeias pounces on sloppy build-up from the 'keeper, and slots in home.

I'm not sure he was intending to take on umpteen players, but I know what you mean.

I think Kamara could slot in quite nicely into one of the wide central midfield positions, with his energy and ball-control.

Couple of chances for Defoe late on, but the half time whistle goes. It's been ok. We've looked good going forward, with some really exciting interplay between Morelos, Davis, Arfield, Kent etc. The front two is working well. Defensively, we've been poor. I think the defence is getting isolated from our midfield when we press - like BSRT says, the press doesn't work otherwise -- so we're under pressure on the counter. We're susceptible to a long switch too with our narrow formation. We need to stop the switch or the Full-back needs to man-mark their wide man.

Oh.. It's 1-1. I missed it typing up our goal... Looks like another break, which we've defended poorly -- all game, to be honest.

1-0 Rangers, Arfield. Defoe stretching play, Morelos finding the space deep, and slipping the ball through to Arfield, who toe-pokes it past the 'keeper. More interplay, with Defoe stretching, Morelos finding space.

It's two up top, but it looks like Defoe is playing more central, off the shoulder, with Morelos drifting wide or deep a wee bit to try and take advantage of Defoe stretching play. They've pressed well together, and linked up once on the break.

More good interplay. Davis, Morelos, Kent and Arfield are linking well. Good play again saw Kent get a good shot away from a central area.

Defoe was almost through one-on-one on the break, but the ball from Morelos was too long. We've got some lovely interplay going.

We're getting on the ball now, dominating possession.

Tom and whoever else is on commentary duty can't seem to work out we're playing 4-4-2 diamond.

Yes, absolutely. If Flanagan and Worrall close up, we snuff out their attack and win it back.

Our defence is too deep, so they're disconnected from the the pressing midfield. HJK get in behind, should have scored but Foderingham saves well.

This team look well drilled playing it out from the back.

It is indeed a 4-4-2 diamond.

It could be a 4-4-2 diamond, with Defoe-Morelos up front, Kent in behind. Exciting.