Philippe Clement on brink as Rangers sink to new low and furious fans vent anger after cup humiliation – 3 talking points
The lowest point of Philippe Clement's Rangers reign is upon us as Queen's Park produced a Scottish Cup shock for the age.
Sebatsian Drozd's second half strike was only part of the story as Clement's side passed up the chance to rescue themselves in stoppage time, and ended up leaving the park with their silverware hopes shredded and boos ringing in their ears from a seriously hacked off home support.
The first half was hard work. An early Mo Diomande attempt, Vaclav Cerny having the ball smothered at his feet and Ianis Hagi's bouncing effort that was headed off the line by Jack Turner was as close as Rangers came, while the only real difference to Liam Kelly's afternoon was that he was watching from the other end of the pitch rather than the bench. Queen's Park started to string a few passes together after the break and began to look a threat. Ryan Duncan went down the left and centred a good low ball, which Kyle Hurst was inches away from connecting with on the slide and punishing the lacklustre hosts.
READ MORE: Confident Philippe Clement claims he’s like other Rangers bosses and will survive without a trophy
There seemed almost an inevitability about the opener coming for Queen's and it did with just over 20 minutes to go. Theer were enough blue shirts in the box standing watching Drozd before he dragged the ball towards his the goal line in skinning Jefte, who lunged in, opened up his body and sent the ball through Kelly's legs and in.
It was then panic stations for Clement's team as Queen's looked to run the clock down. Callum Ferrie held a late Igamane drive well at his near post before Nico Raskin blasted over. Cyriel Dessers was then through in stoppage time but Ferrie did so well to stand tall and parry behind for a corner.
The Spiders keeper then denied Vaclav Cerny twice as Rangers finally found some urgency. And it looked like they'd been handed the latest of lifelines when Dessers went down in the box and despite it's softness, a spot kick was awarded. However, James Tavernier's usual unerring accuracy deserted him and Ferrie produced a stunning save, although he was made to go through an agonising VAR check before it was confirmed.
Here's three talking points from a disastrous day at Ibrox for Clement.
Rice off the boil
Rangers fans got their wish when Bailey Rice was pitched into the starting XI for this one. But the midfielder lasted only 45 minutes before being hooked by Clement. In a slow and ponderous Rangers display overall, Rice wasn't alone, but he didn't exactly grab his opportunity with both hands.
Others will come no doubt. But this was quote the comedown from his impressive cameo at Old Trafford a couple of weeks ago. And it's these types of games where Clement needs the young guns to come in and make an impact. Otherwise, the senior guys he tries to rest end up being sent on to try and get Gers going, which is exactly what happened here.
The curious case of Clement's Rangers
Just when you think the Light Blues have turned the corner under the Belgian, a game like this happens. The result is a shocker and the worst of his Rangers reign, but below par Ibrox performances in games the hosts are expected to win are nothing new. it leaves you wondering how there can be such a drop off from the European nights, and more importantly, how many of these Clement can continue to survive?
This was their most realistic shot at winning trophy this season and it's gone. They are no closer to Celtic in the league and saw the League Cup wrestled from their grip by their rivals. The board want to give Clement more time but the evidence against him being the guy is mounting up.
Davidson's at it again
The former St Johnstone is becoming something of a cup specialist. He knocked Rangers out on the way to lifted the behind closed doors Scottish Cup in 2021 as the Perth side completed a famous double that season after lifting the League Cup too.
Now the former Scotland international was back to dump Gers once again. And he masterminded this one from the main stand at Ibrox, given he was serving a touchline ban after being handed a suspensions. This will surely rank as not only the greatest result of Davidson;s career, but the Spider's long, proud history as well.
