Dutch delight for rangers...so far

WHAT is it about the sophisticated way Rangers go about their business in Europe that offends so many folk?

Ray Stubbs, the second rate anchor man on ESPN, was the latest to give the impression of looking down his nose at another fine achievment by Walter Smith's team.

At the end of the 0-0 draw in Eindhoven, and when still off screen, he gave the clear impression he thought his studio experts were barking.

You could hear the sneer in his voice when he told us that Richard Gough and Colin Hendry were applauding.

But then again, this Scouse with the whine of a voice, does come across as a bit of a know-all, who actually knows not a lot.

For instance, when Hamburg fans chose to wind up Celtic supporters in Germany, by unfurling a huge "No Surrender" banner, Stubbs informed us that the host club would get into trouble with UEFA because of it.

Maybe he had been listening too much to too many of his pals with Celtic DNA, and had believed their poppycock propaganda.

But back to what Rangers achieved against the top team in Holland. A side that's scored 99 goals so far this season, but which could not find a way through the Rangers rearguard.

To put what happened into context, viewing the realtive merits of both clubs at Europa League level, the difference between Rangers and PSV Eindhoven is similar to the gap between Arsenal and Barcelona.

Earlier this week we saw Arsenal defend, defend and defend again against Barca. According to official UEFA statistics, fail to get a solitary effort on goal.

Yet, in Eindhoven, Rangers had the best and most exciting opportunity of the night when Kyle Bartley rose to flash and header which needed the PSV keeper to stretch his full six foot seven frame to save.

Then there was the way Rangers went about their work when they won the ball. Something which stands favourable comparison with how Tottenham Hotspur performed against AC Milan.

Spurs tended to rely on the out ball of a long high thump up the park for Peter Crouch to try and win.

When Neil Alexander punted just such a high one towards Kyle Lafferty it was so unusual as to draw unfavourable comment from Craig Burley.

In the main Rangers attempted to break out by passing the ball, with Steven Whittaker and Ricky Foster more wing backs than full backs, always providing the angle for the pass.

Steven Davis, as ever, was willing to take the ball on a run, using his close control dribbling skills, as was Madjid Bougherra, bursting from the back to exciting purpose.

To be fair, by the time Stubbs was back on camera he was more enthusiastic. Maybe someone had had a word in his ear.

For any criticism of a performance from a Lloyds limited Rangers team against PSV, who we were all told were streets ahead of the Scottish champions, would be churlish.

But not unusual.
O
For, over the years I have heard many a team Rangers were due to face, built up before the tie, only to be dismissed as not really very good after Rangers had seen them off.

Folk really cannot have it both ways. Though I suspect some will try. The usual suspects.

That PSV are a very good side is beyond dispute. They have already smashed 10 goals past Feyenoord this season to underline their scoring potency.

Indeed, I believe they will still emerge victorious from this tie. Rangers have shown in recent years that they are better suited to playing the first leg at Ibrox, before going away to produce a performance similar to the one we saw in Holland.

Of course, Walter Smith has made mugs of so many of us over the last few years as he has crafted the tactics for success.

With the tie now so well poised there will also be the bonus of a full house at Ibrox next Thursday, taking the Europa League money Rangers have banked to around a healthy £2M, to go to the £18M they will get from their Champions League adventures.

And if Smith and his team somehow manage to pull another Euro rabbit out of the hat, Stubbs would be well advised to smile. Even if he has to paint it on.

















http://leggoland2.blogspot.com/

 

Excellent OP.

As a non-OF fan it never seems to amaze me how the exploits of both clubs always seem to be defined in extremes; obviously it is understandable that the green half of the city have to refer to Rangers european adventures as anti-football, as god forbid they might actually admit that they are punching above their (financial) weight in Europe. And obviously similar irrational arguments apply in the opposite direction.

However, leaving the banter of rivals aside and concentrating on the media. With few exceptions they are all ****ing sheep. Mindless sheep without the spark of an original thought between them. Teams, players, managers are stereo-typed and the media lackies spout cliches and mixed-metaphors while jumping on and off every stereotypical bandwagon as it passes by (Did you see what I did there )

For all the innovations in TV technology: HD, the RED button and so on, the TV companies will never give us what we really need: LIVE football, Stadium atmosphere and no commentary.

 

The criticism is water off a ducks back,we're used to it.
Considering the financial plight over recent years, the fact we're still in Europe when every other Scottish club dropped out in the summer is a miracle.yet still no praise..

Spurs played 1 up front,got the desired result and Harry's a tactical genius.
We do it and it's "anti football"....Timothy's pain is so tangible you can see it.

NO SURRENDER