First chance I have had to sit down and properly think about yesterday's game - and the conclusion I have come to is in the thread title. A team performance. And a very good one at that. THE GAME As usual Rangers began a little slow, offering Sunderland time on the ball and a few early openings to feel their way into the game. But after then it was pretty much all Rangers - attack after attack. We found particular joy down the left hand side with Hoilett who impressed. Then, typcial Rangers! We have a free kick (or corner, cant remember which) and it was cleared and Sunderland broke - bang 1-0. A goal against the run of play. I think that goal woke us up and we started to play with more precision and decisiveness about our play. Deservedly we got back into it with another brilliant Remy finish from a deflection off O'Shea I think. Remy took it early and put it into the bottom far corner. The Rangers midfield seemed to have got control of the game and were everywhere. Half time quickly approached, after a few more chances for Rangers and tbh Sunderland were fortunate it was 1-1. Second half began much like the Southampton game - we let them back into the game and offered them time and space to pick a pass. Sunderland dominated for about 10-15mins and the crowd at Loftus Road was nervous. It was clear the game was heading for a stalemate, despite us wrestling back control of the game. Neither side had a decent opportunity really and it was going to take something special to unlock the game. An my god did we get it! And thankfully it was a stunning strike from Townsend. No doubt everyone has seen it by now. Awesome strike, and it gave us the crucial advantage heading into the final quarter. Sunderland applied pressure, and we hung on resolutely and just as the crowd were preparing for a nervous last few minutes Jenas also drove home a strike from the edge of the area to settle the nerves. Job done! 2 wins in a row!!! THE RATINGS GREEN - 7 - didnt have a huge amount to do but i noticed alot of shouting from him to ensure the defence knew exactly what to do and when to do it. FABIO - 7.5 - struggled early on v Fletcher but battled very well and maintained good concentration throughout. HILL - 8 - tough day against the likes of fletcher who is always a handful but overall nullified his threat (bar the goal) and kept their attack quiet. SAMBA - 8 - same as hill really. working well as a defensive unit and understood what was required and when. BOSINGWA - 9 - really good performance from him imo. always did the simple things well and mixed that in with some brilliant control and kept calm under pressure. drove forwards when required and generally full of energy. MBIA - 7.5 - part of a good midfield unit and was always around to tackle and chase quickly. little bit reckless at times (as usual!) but cant complain at all. PARK - 8 - probably a few interested people reading this, without naming names! but he definitely stepped up another level yesterday. v southampton i said he was easily pushed off the ball and despite putting in a huge effort he wasn't quite there. but yesterday he did the simple things well and i cannot really think of a time he was shoved off the ball. the whole midfield worked well as a unit and park was central to that. much improved. and im not just saying that - that is my honest opinion from the game. TOWNSEND - 9 - superb yet again. would love to sign this guy permanently. full of energy and gave their defence a torrid time with his runs in all directions and willingness to take people on. a stunning goal to effectively separate the sides at the end. was always a threat and worked very very hard. HOILETT - 9 - again worked very hard both defensively and forward wise. found alot of joy especially in the first half and both wingers were central to a good performance. ZAMORA - 7.5 - cannot fault his effort and willingness to play through the pain barrier - a top pro. put a good shift in, but at times didnt find much joy trying to win headers. their defenders were aware of his hip injury and seemed to target that area of him at times. but linked play well overall and brought others into play. REMY 8 - another fine and composed finish just when it looked like we were making things difficult for ourselves. made several good runs and always worked hard. SUBS MACKIE - 7.5 - came on almost as soon as we got our 2nd goal and came on to keep the pressure on and chase everything - and did so very well. SWP - 7.5 - replaced the tiring legs of other players to maintain the pressure and made some lovely turns to create more chances. JENAS - 7.5 - again, came in to keep the midfield area fresh and finished it with a lovely goal. THE FINAL WORD Well as I said, what a team performance. The best this season by a long way that I have actually been to live. Everyone worked so hard and chased all day. The midfield definitely won the battle and allowed our wingers to press forwards. Finally we committed several players into the box and it paid off. We always had men either in the box or surrounding it giving options - which led to Townsend and Jenas's goals. Two fine finishes to leave Mignolet with no chance. Harry I thought got it spot on. Made subs at the right moments - Bothroyd was lined up to come on before Townsend scored but he quickly changed it to the hardworking Mackie to maintain pressure on them. Overall a thoroughly impressive performance that will give confidence leading into the next couple of games - away to Villa and Fulham. Just a shame Villa won to maintain the 4pt gap.
That's an excellent report Judo. I agree, this game wasn't about individuals. It was all about the team. We're playing like one now. The goal celebrations were just as crucial to the rest of our season as any individual player performance. We're all in this together.
Top report Judo...... biting my tongue right now in case its a fluke... best foot ball AS A TEAM i have seen us play in 5 years....no exceptions...Penny is finally starting to drop for some now.. Long may this continue.....Andros may yet get us out of this.....?
Good report again Judo, thanks as I didn't see the game. Feet on grounds people, still one game at a time.
