So.................a new season, a new dawn? Or was it to be the same old stuff that we saw for most of last season?
I set off with my two lads on the drive to LR with a mixture of excitement, curiosity and trepidation. We all discussed what we thought the team would be and what we all wanted it to be.
As it turned out, we weren't too disappointed with the starting line up, although we all agreed that Hoilett should have started after his strong finish to last season and his good form during pre-season.
We were certainly all delighted to see Remy in the starting 11!
After a nice meal to celebrate the youngest lad's Birthday, who is 15 today, we got to our seats in the upper loft in time to watch the players warming up. The buzz was really starting to return now as we waited for kick off.
For the first 15 minutes or so, Rangers looked a little nervous and Hull were into their stride a lot quicker. Traore in particular looked very uncomfortable with the new 3-5-2 system, with his positioning all at sea. As the half continued though, both Traore and the team in general grew into the game and the new system, defensively at least.
Faurlin was the pick of the Rangers players in the first half, along with Rio. Both looked very classy. Faurlin was assured on the ball and was winning tackles and making interceptions, just like the player of old. Great to see. Ferdinand seemed to be totally in control at the back and a couple of his clever little cushioned headers to a team mate were sublime.
Rangers were the better team overall in that first half, with Barton working hard. The only real problem looked to be our wing backs. Simpson in particular, is not suited to the roll with his very limited ability going forward. Traore should be much better in the attacking aspect of the position, but he seemed very reluctant to make any forward runs...............very frustrating that, as he is quick and has a good cross in his locker.
Rangers had the better of the half chances, with Remy looking dangerous, but not quite up to speed (understandably). Mutch, who looked a little awkward at times, missed the one really clear chance of the half, with a header that should have at least hit the target. However, he did link up the play well at times. Caulker had a good header cleared off the line too.The half ended with every reason to be very optimistic for the 2nd half following a most encouraging first 45 minutes back in the top flight.
At half time we met up with Roller, Stan and Terry and we all seemed to be in agreement that things were looking positive and much improved. We all agreed that Rangers looked like a Premier League side, which is a big step imo.
However, some things from last season haven't been fixed and Rangers started the 2nd half half asleep, much as they did for much of last season. Then, a few minutes into the half, Rio, who had been imperious up to that point, lost his man at a corner and Rangers were behind. Rio must take most of the blame for the goal, but why oh why wasn't anyone on the far post? Ridiculously inept defending team-wise, although I presume they were coached not to have a player on each post at corners? Very poor!
For the next 20 minutes or so Hull were completely on top, with those gaps to the sides of the CBs (the old fashioned inside left and inside right positions) that are often there in this system being badly exposed. Suddenly Rangers were all over the place and only a good save from Green when one on one with a forward kept them in the game. Something had to change and to be fair, Harry did make some positive changes. However, why he removed Faurlin for Hoilett instead of Mutch was totally bizarre!! Ale looked like being the only creative force we had, all be it from a deeper position than is ideal whilst Mutch was fading badly and losing possession a lot. Phillips came on for the very ineffective Simpson to play in an unfamiliar role as right wing back. No one around me could quite believe that Faurlin had been taken off....maybe he had a knock or isn't fully fit yet? Puzzling in the extreme if not!!
It wasn't long before Harry threw the last roll of the dice, bringing on Oh Bobby Zamora for Dunne, who after a solid first half was really starting to struggle.
Rangers now switched to 4-2-1-3 with Phillips at RB, Mutch beside Barton and Hoilett in behind Remy, Zamora and Austin. With such an attacking line up, Rangers started to put Hull under more and more pressure. Then, a surging run and cross from Hoilett resulted in the referee awarding Rangers a very soft penalty, apparently for hand ball. After prolonged protestations from the Hull players, particularly Huddlestone who was whinging and whining all game, up stepped Charlie to hopefully grab Rangers a point with 6 minute remaining..........
Austin had looked below par all game and unfortunately his penalty followed suit with a weak shot to the keeper's right (he usually puts it the other way, except in the play off semi against Wigan) being comfortably saved by the keeper. Huge disappointment engulfed the ground, although the crowd did try to lift Austin's spirits with a chorus of "Charlie, Charlie Charlie..........".
For the next 10 minutes or so, Rangers piled on the pressure with half chances coming and going, although Remy had a great chance to get the draw right at the death following a wonderful turn and burst of speed. Unfortunately though, he fired straight at the keeper instead of finding a corner.
All over and you had the feeling that it was one of those games where Rangers wouldn't have scored if they'd been out there till midnight!!
Overall, there were far more positives than negatives all of which I'll hopefully touch on in the player ratings and comments:
Green - 7 - Did nothing wrong and not at fault with the goal.
Caulker - 7 - Looked very solid and assured. Unlucky to see a header cleared off the line.
Ferdinand - 6 - Would have had an 8 if he hadn't been at fault for the goal. He still looks a very good CB and read the game extremely well.
Dunne - 6 - Had a good first half, but got worse as the game went on. The ball often seemed to come to him for the "out" ball and he struggled, giving the ball away a lot. IMO Ned must start in his place, not for his distribution which is just as bad, but for his pace and the fact that he's a good marker and is one for the future, along with Caulker. Rio is better than all of them, so he must start.
Simpson - 4 - Simply isn't a wing back. Lacks real pace and Isla must start whenever available and stay there.
Traore - 5 - Put in a couple of decent crosses late on, but that was when Rangers were camped in the Hull half. Up to then, he simply didn't seem to want to get forward. Yun would be a far better wing-back imo, but Harry doesn't seem to rate him. In that case, Traore needs a huge rocket up his arse!!
Barton - 6 - Worked tirelessly as always, but gave the ball away too often and his set piece deliveries were generally poor.
Faurlin - 7 - Looked the best player on the pitch in the first half and it was a huge shock to see him substituted in the 2nd. Great poise and composure on the ball and we will be lucky to keep him if he stays fit.
Mutch - 6 - I have a confession to make.............I though he was that tricky little player from Cardiff, Craig Noone. which is why I was pleased with the signing. Mutch looked to link up the play well at times, but looked awkward and faded badly. Should have been taken off instead of Faurlin. I'll give him time of course, but I am not convinced about him. (Fer would be better, with De Guzzman even better!)
Remy - 7 - WE MUST KEEP HIM!! Looked far from match fit, but still was our biggest threat by far. Should have scored, but once he's fit, he will get loads!!
Austin - 6 - I'm a big fan of Charlie, but he needs to convince me that he can play at this level. Poor penalty which echoed a below par performance imo. However, I do believe that he will get goals, so as long as Remy stays, between them they would get enough to keep us up.
Subs :
Hoilett - 7 - Made a big impact and his run led to to the penalty. Should have started instead of Mutch as I believe he can play in behind the two strikers. I'd prefer to see a genuine No10 there, but if not, then Hoilett is currently our best bet imo.
Phillips - 5 - I know I'm in the minority, but I'm really not a huge fan. Put in a couple of decent crosses, but he certainly isn't the answer at wing back. He is fast when he gets going, but he doesn't seem to have that explosive turn of pace over the first few critical yards! Defenders seem to cope with him running at them easily, as opposed to Hoilett or Remy. Squad player at best for me.
Oh Bobby Zamora - 6 - Linked up well and could have scored had he shot earlier.
So...............Isla at right wing back, Yun or a revved up Traore at left wing back. Faurlin always plays!! Hoilett behind Remy and Austin if no one better suited arrives. Ned in with Caulker and Rio and I think we'll be ok.
Thoughts?
I set off with my two lads on the drive to LR with a mixture of excitement, curiosity and trepidation. We all discussed what we thought the team would be and what we all wanted it to be.
As it turned out, we weren't too disappointed with the starting line up, although we all agreed that Hoilett should have started after his strong finish to last season and his good form during pre-season.
We were certainly all delighted to see Remy in the starting 11!
After a nice meal to celebrate the youngest lad's Birthday, who is 15 today, we got to our seats in the upper loft in time to watch the players warming up. The buzz was really starting to return now as we waited for kick off.
For the first 15 minutes or so, Rangers looked a little nervous and Hull were into their stride a lot quicker. Traore in particular looked very uncomfortable with the new 3-5-2 system, with his positioning all at sea. As the half continued though, both Traore and the team in general grew into the game and the new system, defensively at least.
Faurlin was the pick of the Rangers players in the first half, along with Rio. Both looked very classy. Faurlin was assured on the ball and was winning tackles and making interceptions, just like the player of old. Great to see. Ferdinand seemed to be totally in control at the back and a couple of his clever little cushioned headers to a team mate were sublime.
Rangers were the better team overall in that first half, with Barton working hard. The only real problem looked to be our wing backs. Simpson in particular, is not suited to the roll with his very limited ability going forward. Traore should be much better in the attacking aspect of the position, but he seemed very reluctant to make any forward runs...............very frustrating that, as he is quick and has a good cross in his locker.
Rangers had the better of the half chances, with Remy looking dangerous, but not quite up to speed (understandably). Mutch, who looked a little awkward at times, missed the one really clear chance of the half, with a header that should have at least hit the target. However, he did link up the play well at times. Caulker had a good header cleared off the line too.The half ended with every reason to be very optimistic for the 2nd half following a most encouraging first 45 minutes back in the top flight.
At half time we met up with Roller, Stan and Terry and we all seemed to be in agreement that things were looking positive and much improved. We all agreed that Rangers looked like a Premier League side, which is a big step imo.
However, some things from last season haven't been fixed and Rangers started the 2nd half half asleep, much as they did for much of last season. Then, a few minutes into the half, Rio, who had been imperious up to that point, lost his man at a corner and Rangers were behind. Rio must take most of the blame for the goal, but why oh why wasn't anyone on the far post? Ridiculously inept defending team-wise, although I presume they were coached not to have a player on each post at corners? Very poor!
For the next 20 minutes or so Hull were completely on top, with those gaps to the sides of the CBs (the old fashioned inside left and inside right positions) that are often there in this system being badly exposed. Suddenly Rangers were all over the place and only a good save from Green when one on one with a forward kept them in the game. Something had to change and to be fair, Harry did make some positive changes. However, why he removed Faurlin for Hoilett instead of Mutch was totally bizarre!! Ale looked like being the only creative force we had, all be it from a deeper position than is ideal whilst Mutch was fading badly and losing possession a lot. Phillips came on for the very ineffective Simpson to play in an unfamiliar role as right wing back. No one around me could quite believe that Faurlin had been taken off....maybe he had a knock or isn't fully fit yet? Puzzling in the extreme if not!!
It wasn't long before Harry threw the last roll of the dice, bringing on Oh Bobby Zamora for Dunne, who after a solid first half was really starting to struggle.
Rangers now switched to 4-2-1-3 with Phillips at RB, Mutch beside Barton and Hoilett in behind Remy, Zamora and Austin. With such an attacking line up, Rangers started to put Hull under more and more pressure. Then, a surging run and cross from Hoilett resulted in the referee awarding Rangers a very soft penalty, apparently for hand ball. After prolonged protestations from the Hull players, particularly Huddlestone who was whinging and whining all game, up stepped Charlie to hopefully grab Rangers a point with 6 minute remaining..........
Austin had looked below par all game and unfortunately his penalty followed suit with a weak shot to the keeper's right (he usually puts it the other way, except in the play off semi against Wigan) being comfortably saved by the keeper. Huge disappointment engulfed the ground, although the crowd did try to lift Austin's spirits with a chorus of "Charlie, Charlie Charlie..........".
For the next 10 minutes or so, Rangers piled on the pressure with half chances coming and going, although Remy had a great chance to get the draw right at the death following a wonderful turn and burst of speed. Unfortunately though, he fired straight at the keeper instead of finding a corner.
All over and you had the feeling that it was one of those games where Rangers wouldn't have scored if they'd been out there till midnight!!
Overall, there were far more positives than negatives all of which I'll hopefully touch on in the player ratings and comments:
Green - 7 - Did nothing wrong and not at fault with the goal.
Caulker - 7 - Looked very solid and assured. Unlucky to see a header cleared off the line.
Ferdinand - 6 - Would have had an 8 if he hadn't been at fault for the goal. He still looks a very good CB and read the game extremely well.
Dunne - 6 - Had a good first half, but got worse as the game went on. The ball often seemed to come to him for the "out" ball and he struggled, giving the ball away a lot. IMO Ned must start in his place, not for his distribution which is just as bad, but for his pace and the fact that he's a good marker and is one for the future, along with Caulker. Rio is better than all of them, so he must start.
Simpson - 4 - Simply isn't a wing back. Lacks real pace and Isla must start whenever available and stay there.
Traore - 5 - Put in a couple of decent crosses late on, but that was when Rangers were camped in the Hull half. Up to then, he simply didn't seem to want to get forward. Yun would be a far better wing-back imo, but Harry doesn't seem to rate him. In that case, Traore needs a huge rocket up his arse!!
Barton - 6 - Worked tirelessly as always, but gave the ball away too often and his set piece deliveries were generally poor.
Faurlin - 7 - Looked the best player on the pitch in the first half and it was a huge shock to see him substituted in the 2nd. Great poise and composure on the ball and we will be lucky to keep him if he stays fit.
Mutch - 6 - I have a confession to make.............I though he was that tricky little player from Cardiff, Craig Noone. which is why I was pleased with the signing. Mutch looked to link up the play well at times, but looked awkward and faded badly. Should have been taken off instead of Faurlin. I'll give him time of course, but I am not convinced about him. (Fer would be better, with De Guzzman even better!)
Remy - 7 - WE MUST KEEP HIM!! Looked far from match fit, but still was our biggest threat by far. Should have scored, but once he's fit, he will get loads!!
Austin - 6 - I'm a big fan of Charlie, but he needs to convince me that he can play at this level. Poor penalty which echoed a below par performance imo. However, I do believe that he will get goals, so as long as Remy stays, between them they would get enough to keep us up.
Subs :
Hoilett - 7 - Made a big impact and his run led to to the penalty. Should have started instead of Mutch as I believe he can play in behind the two strikers. I'd prefer to see a genuine No10 there, but if not, then Hoilett is currently our best bet imo.
Phillips - 5 - I know I'm in the minority, but I'm really not a huge fan. Put in a couple of decent crosses, but he certainly isn't the answer at wing back. He is fast when he gets going, but he doesn't seem to have that explosive turn of pace over the first few critical yards! Defenders seem to cope with him running at them easily, as opposed to Hoilett or Remy. Squad player at best for me.
Oh Bobby Zamora - 6 - Linked up well and could have scored had he shot earlier.
So...............Isla at right wing back, Yun or a revved up Traore at left wing back. Faurlin always plays!! Hoilett behind Remy and Austin if no one better suited arrives. Ned in with Caulker and Rio and I think we'll be ok.
Thoughts?
