It looks like that one luxurious day of sunshine we experienced on Tuesday was our all for this ‘summer’ as we are welcome Spurs to Ibrox on a soggy day.
Our last competitive friendly in front of crowds, with tomorrow’s friendly against Queens Park behind closed doors. Rangers were good on Tuesday, a hard working opening 45mins was akin to what we were used to somewhat. Well organised, but little spark, and that is something Gio has tried to remedy.
The attacking cameo of the front players was a delightful insight into what we hope is the new future with Kent, Lawrence and Matondo blazing West Ham out of sight. That was exciting viewing and something we all very much hope will continue.
Today is a big test, Spurs with a host of top players from Kane to Son and any of their new signings including Richarlison. Antonio Conte a top coach has already said how much he is looking forward to coming to Ibrox and experiencing the atmosphere.
Rangers line up for this one –
McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Barisic, Kamara, Lundstram, Lawrence, Kent, Matondo, Čolak
Rangers Subs
McLaughlin, McCrorie, Jack, Davis, Sands, Katic, Wright, Fashion JR, Arfield, McCann, Devine, King, Tillman
First half action
4 mins – Early shot from Kulusevski saved by McGregor.
12 mins – Tav belts a FK over the bar
25 mins – GOOOOAAAALLLL! Rabbi Matondo does well to get the ball out of his feet and a Tav flick lands at feet of Čolak who slides home. 1-0 Rangers!
26 mins – CHANCE! Honbjerg through and should score but goes wide, just, did McGregor save it? Goal kick given
27 mins – Lawrence scoops a half chance over
28 mins – SAVE! McGregor with a top class save as Kulusevski fires one at goal and McGregor tips it over.
MISS! From the corner Kane flicks it on and Romero in spaces nods over.
32 mins – Dier long range shot is parried clear by McGregors mid drift.
34 mins – SAVE! It’s McGregor vs Spurs at the moment and Allan is winning, this time 1 on 1 with Kane and a superb save.
45 mins – FK on ht but Kane fires at his own player.
HALF TIME – RANGERS 1 TOTTENHAM 0
Spurs are very good, have created a lot of chances but yet to take any. Front three are lightening and Rangers have at times held on. Perhaps naive the movement has sometimes taken then after the ball then Spurs spring behind us and that’s something to rectify. However we are ahead but somehow feels like there is a lot more twists to come.
Second half action
46 mins – SAVE! McGregor again to Rangers rescue as Sessegnon goes 1 on 1 from the side, another great save!
49 mins – GOAL! Kane with half a yard bends in a beauty, 1-1.
54 mins – A deep Borna cross is volleyed across goal by Tavernier, good effort
56 mins – CAUTION 📒 Kuluvsevski for simulation.
57 mins – GOAL! Harry Kane in and half a chance again 1-2. Slack from Rangers.
67 mins – CAUTION 📒 Souttar for a late one on Richarlison.
Subs – OFF Souttar, Lawrence, Matondo – ON Wright, Sands and Tillman.
74 mins – Wright shot deflected wide
75 mins – Lundstram shot deflects wide.
80 mins – CHANCE! James Sands with a header yards out straight at Forster, weak! He should do better!
87 mins – McGregor fouled as punches clear.
89 mins – Richarlison heads over.
FULL TIME – RANGERS 1 SPURS 2
A very worthwhile match for Rangers against top class opposition. This will do Rangers the world of good, especially with Europe quickly on the horizon. Spurs were slick and created a lot, vital Rangers get Ben Davies up to speed as quickly as possible.
Allan McGregor with a decent afternoon but distribution disappoints and that remains the main issue. Rangers though look good and our new signings, Matondo and Lawrence will do damage.
Sharpness will come and we will get better, well played Spurs, a very good outfit.
Four Lads Had A Dream 