Stats & Analytics

[der Berliner 3,207]

People are already calling for Kent to return ...

 

As it stands, we don`t need another winger/AM trying his luck with a varying degree of success against a tight and packed defense. It`s not like Kent was banging them in like CR7 or the like. Its not his job either.

 

I see people drumming on about modern football et al, de facto, a 4-3-3 robs us of one striker and one winger against tight defenses. But, but the fullbacks are attacking too?!?!?! So what, in a 4-4-2 the fullbacks attack too, effectively giving us somewhere between 4 and 6 attcking players, with 2 CHs covering (as they do now, one DM clearing up the midfield and one MF being creative.

 

Turn it as you will, our current setup is not up to the game as it is played in Scotland. We have one main striker who has to do it on his own against 2 or 3 CHs, who now goes deep or drags defenders to the wings ... only to leave an empty space behind that is not well covered by the MFs (simply because we play 2 DMs who are not really willing to attack and/or shoot). Aribo`s position is an enigma to me this season, as he pops up here and there and you have to hope that Hagi and him come up with something ... only to see them try the double- or triple-one-two in that super-tight area in and around the box. And rest assured, with Kent it is the very same. How often have we put balls into the area this season with hardly anyone from us covering the spaces or running into attacking areas (like Arfield did when he came on, as it is his game)?

 

We are probably top of the charts in possession, not least around the half-way-line, with Kamara and Co. spraying passes and we hope for a killer pass from one of our centre-halfs, mind you.

 

Thing is, we don`t change the way we play in any sort of way, no matter the opposition, no matter how we toil, how matter the glaring problems we have. As long as we win, somehow, all is fine. But essentially, we walk a thin line every game and only our super-tight defence last season kept us from more bother. The most disappointing thing is, that it is not exactly rocket science to see the problem.

 

If we need a solid defence, yet still have enough attacking power, play e.g. 3-5-2.

 

Balogun - Goldson - Bassey

 

Lundstram

 

Wright - Arfield - Hagi - Kent

 

Morelos - Roofe

 

We have 2 CHs and one DM playing cover these days anyway, so if the opportunity arrises, either Balogun or Bassey can move forward with the other two or Lundstram (Kamara, Jack, doesn`t matter) can cover. Arfield the combatitive MF he tackles back but also runs into attacking spaces vacated by others, Wright, Hagi and Kent rpovide amo for the two strikers, who`s main job is the pester the defenders all game long.

 

But fullbaaaaaaacks. We can more often than not spare the fullback role, as Tav and Barisic are up the park. But if I want wingers, I play wingers (who can easily track back too, if need be ... modern game and all). And Kent and Wright/Bacuna/Patterson will sure, over a time, get into the same stats as Tav or Barisic.

 

Edited October 29, 2021 by der Berliner

[Bill 13,717]

Analysing the pro's and cons of different formations is pointless if players continue to be disorganised and hesitant in defence, keep underhitting passes and continue to be caught in possession so often. The issue isn't formations, it's players who were once comfortable when given time and space to play but are badly exposed when pressed and crowded, particularly in defence. The other PL teams have rumbled how to neutralise our style of play and too many of our regular starters are showing the fragility of their confidence as a result - you can see this in Barisic, Tavernier and Kamara. Bringing back Kent, Jack and Helander will make more difference than changing any formation on paper. I also think we badly miss the sheer competitiveness of Arfield and would be starting him as a matter of course while we continue to struggle.

[DMAA 3,596]

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Edited October 30, 2021 by DMAA

[DMAA 3,596]

I wasn’t aware that Celtic’s chance creation had been trending down. I feel better after their draw today and after reading through this thread. 
 

 

[compo 6,058]

Stats my chooky one goal more than the opposition is the best stat you can get .

Mon the gers 

[ian1964 10,370]

 

[Uilleam 5,393]

38 minutes ago, ian1964 said:

 

The Masons are losing their grip!!

[der Berliner 3,207]

After that goal from the lumb of wood of Motherwell, I checked our stats in this regard, i.e. how many shots we had this season in the Premiership, how many of them were on target and how many goals came of it. Same with the opposition ...

 

Rangers after 12 games

Shots: 236 (most vs Motherwell (30), least St. Johnstone (10))

Shots on target: 78 (most vs Motherwell (12), least vs DU (2))

Goals scored: 25 (32 % of those on target)

 

Opposition

Shots: 74 (most by Dundee (14), least by Livingston (2))

Shots on target: 30 (most by Dundee (6), least by Livingston (0))

Goals scored: 11 (36 % of those on target)

 

... in short, we are far from lethal with the amount of chances we create and the opposition scores far too much from the few chances they get. These dire defensive  examples include the last two games, where the stats read:

 

Rangers vs Aberdeen

Shots: 18 vs 6

Shots on target: 4 vs 3

Goals scored: 2 vs 2

 

Motherwell vs Rangers

Shots: 30 vs 3

Shots on target: 12 vs 2

Goals scored: 6-1

 

(Stats taken from the BBC match fixture pages)

Edited November 5, 2021 by der Berliner