Rangers Fan View: The good and the bad from the draw with Partick

This result was one that Rangers did not want and one that we should have avoided on the night. Let’s be frank drawing 2-2 against a 10-man Partick side is never a good result. We should have won the game comfortably and moved on to Tuesday’s match with some more confidence. However, it was the same old problems that cropped up in our shabby performance.

The good

Alfredo Morelos

Another great finish from the wee Colombian. He never really had many efforts on goal during the 90 minutes, but the way he took his goal showed what class and predatory instincts he brings to our attack. I previously stated after the Dundee match that his hold-up play was very good, but in this match, I felt it was a bit lacking somewhat. He could do much better with that side of his game. He’s well capable.

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Ryan Jack

I felt Jack was superb again. He broke up most things and he set up the goal for Morelos. Unfortunately, he was assaulted in the first half by Edwards but he got on with it and played a good game until he was replaced by Carlos Pena. He and Morelos are the two from the match that can hold their head high.

The bad

4-4-2

I am not keen on the 4-4-2 system anymore. I feel we get overrun in the middle of the park constantly. Neither Windass nor Candeias tuck in centrally to help Jack and Dorrans and I felt for the most part of the second half, Thistle had the edge in that area. I feel taking Miller of and bringing Pena on at half-time would have solidified that midfield area, especially with us having a goal advantage at that point.

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Nonsense defending

I have praised the defence recently, but the two goals we lost at Firhill were disgusting, in truth. Firstly, I have no idea what Fabio Cardoso was jumping for a header against Miles Storey on the edge of the box that he was never going to win. It was rash, stupid, and unfortunately it contributed to Thistle’s equaliser.

The wall broke far too easily. Morelos broke away and Alves turned his back on it. It was utterly pathetic. Pedro often talks about having men in his side. His players in the wall defended the free-kick like an 8-year-old girl.

The second goal was a culmination of errors. Declan John doesn’t stop the cross, Cardoso is all over the place in the middle and Tavernier and Candeias, at the back post, well, I have no idea what they were doing allowing Erskine to score. Schoolboy stuff.

Lulls in the game

It happens game in, game out and it was that same lull we suffer after half-time that cost us the three points. I have no idea what Pedro Caixinha says to his players at the interval because during every game this season we have started the second half like our players have cement in their boots. It’s utterly frustrating to watch. I expect them to come out and go and kill the game, but no. We are the architects of our own downfall most weeks. It really has to be addressed by the players and management.