Source: FOOTYMAD
Stats highlight some real improvement and maturity in the Champions League.
Off to a fine start, Rangers have combined good organisation with a little more discipline. After three games most Rangers fans will be content with the five points earned and the fact that European football after Christmas, whether in the Europa League or perhaps yet in the CL, seems a distinct possibility. Last season brought mild embarrassment, albeit mixed with a little bad luck. Five points and unbeaten is a start few would have predicted. Likewise, the ability to defend effectively while limiting the number of fouls and real moments of sustained pressure on our goal has been impressive. Some of the UEFA stats offer interesting confirmation and a surprise or two. Firstly, our own Steven Naismith is the most fouled player in the competition, suffering 15 fouls in the first three games. Kirk Broadfoot, injured and unable to participate last night, lies third with 11. As a team, Rangers lie third of thirty-two, with 53 fouls given in their favour. But here is the real kicker: Rangers sit top of the list with the least number of fouls committed so far in the tournament, the 28 fouls reducing champions Inter to second. Teams may have been granted a lot of possession, but in terms of shots on target, Valencia are but one ahead, and Man United and Bursaspor both fall behind the Glasgow side. Unfortunately, the old habit of conceding soft goals, at daft times, from set-pieces has yet to be eradicated - poor Mo Edu - but Smith deserves enormous credit for the way the side has not resorted to kicking and fouling to keep teams out, and the improvement in set-pieces at the other end shows signs of (shock horror) some work on the training ground. More of the same, please.
