match thread (image) [FT] Rangers 3 - 2 HJK Helsinki (Arfield 29; Katic 53; Candeias 75)

[Rousseau 9,370]

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. 

[Rousseau 9,370]

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. 

[BlackSocksRedTops 3,476]

2 minutes ago, Rousseau said:

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. 

How's Defoe and Alfie working out? At swimming with my son so can't see the game

 

Also be interested to see how Davis slots in

Edited January 20, 2019 by BlackSocksRedTops

[Rousseau 9,370]

1 minute ago, BlackSocksRedTops said:

How's Defoe and Alfie working out? At swimming with my son so can't see the game

 

Also be interested to see how Davis slots in

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. 

[Rousseau 9,370]

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.

[Rousseau 9,370]

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. 

[Frankie 8,150]

Quite enjoyed that first half actually.

 

HJK are no mugs and move the ball quite well at times but we've played some very nice stuff ourselves.  Impressed with Jack and Kent in particular and a few others playing well also.

 

I'd imagine we'll see plenty subs in the second half so it may become a bit more disjointed.

 

PS: Not sure about the diamond.  Works quite well in an attacking sense but leaves us quite exposed at times on the counter, though we're using a very attacking version of it with the full backs pushing well on.

[Rousseau 9,370]

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. 

[Rousseau 9,370]

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

[BEARGER 1,829]

Worrall looks dodgy to me again. Lack of concentration because its a friendly?