The Dust has Settled: A Deserved Victory for The Champions.

21 March 2011 20:03
Rangers win League Cup and demonstrate character and ability. “He’s given the penalty and, for me, he cannot change his mind. I find that unacceptable... but I suppose you have to put that down to another honest mistake from the referee.” Neil Francis Lennon, Sunday 17th October 2010 It’s now undeniably the case that any game in which Rangers bear the brunt of refereeing mistakes or questionable decisions is simply not worthy of the week and a half post-mortem. The fact that Walter Smith’s side rose above the weird and inconsistent ways of Craig Thomson to triumph in the first final of the season means that we don’t have to make it the focal point of analysis, but it simply cannot be swept under the carpet. As Walter Smith alluded to in his post-match comments, it is unthinkable in the aftermath of the Dougie McDonald incident and Celtic campaign of intimidation of officials - which, don’t forget, ultimately resulted in their intention to strike - to imagine Thomson behaving as he did at the other end in the instance of the Jelavic decision. However, once one considers the non-award where Wilson moves his body toward the ball and it strikes him on the arm the only conclusion available is thus – Rangers best and perhaps only chance yesterday of a spot-kick would be if the game had moved to a conclusion via kicks from the penalty mark. The persistent fouling of Rogne ended with him leaving the field, but not as a result of the referee’s encouragement – he was punted because he was made to look like an amateur. That his erstwhile pal Mr. Mulgrew wasn’t given early access to the parking area after his foul on Jelavic is a matter referee Thomson will have to explain. But we got there eventually after Izaguirre demonstrated that Rugby Union is indeed popular in Central America. But to more important matters: the difference in approach by Rangers and the rewards it brought. Half-time at Ibrox in the PSV game was as low as it is has got in recent times. The timid and uninspiring manner of play was simply unacceptable and no longer merely bordering on the distasteful. Walter Smith has attracted a lot of criticism (some cases more warranted than others) for his approach to games but this was clearly an instance where we got it badly wrong – and the difference in the second half, in terms of spirit, formation, attitude and approach was, we must hope, a clear turning point. Fast forward to Sunday and our recent fundamental desire to protect and to contain was subtly altered – indeed the early proceedings were as open as has been the case in this game for a good number of years. The attacking options and support – Jelavic backed up by Naismith and Lafferty, with Wylde offering genuine width and the ability to place dangerous balls into the box as early as possible – were more direct and pronounced. Finally, the makeshift and weak Celtic defence was put under early pressure and the midfield pressed while on the ball. All of a sudden the hooped horror show of recent times looked as if it had run its course on the football stage. It seems unfair to single out individual players but, his goal aside, this was much more like the Steven Davis of past seasons. Indeed, so well did a number of our own perform that we could afford to carry a regular and recently ailing passenger (and no, not David Weir). And, as was tweeted last evening, we now have a choice for the Rangers Hall of Fame guaranteed to brook no argument and to pass unanimously: that post! Last season in the ‘Craig Thomson sends off two men against his local team League Cup Final’ we had the famous pigeon: this year it was the turn of an inanimate object to play a key part in proceedings. Davis’ opener trundled and bobbled in off the marker, but Jelavic’s winner was a quite different proposition. Firstly, wasn’t it refreshing to see the impact of young Weiss, as he ran at players, so direct and deliberate? Along with the recent emergence of Wylde – whose corners and swift efforts into the heart of the box provided a source of real encouragement – this big-game decisive impact of Weiss bodes well for the future if some deal can be agreed to maintain the player’s registration. Secondly, wasn’t it deeply satisfying to see a goal scored from a free-kick taken quickly and delivered with precision; backed with fine vision and technique? So often in games we see players hack and hack again at talented individuals, and then have cause to wait while the cheats retreat to a position vaguely in accordance with the laws and the wishes of the officials, all the while taking away from those sinned against the right to punish such wickedness promptly and decisively. Jelavic’s finish, and the quite unexpected and almost unprecedented passage of the ball post, erm, post, was a fitting way to settle any game and the reward for a performance which surprised a few but deserved to end in victory. Yesterday was the first time this year in derbies that sustained pressure was put on the Celtic rearguard; the first time that the midfield and full-backs weren’t simply allowed to pass through enemy territory unmolested. And we witnessed the result of this – a good number of Celtic players had poor games.  Rogne was humiliated by Jelavic and withdrawn all too late. Wilson barely featured over the half-way line and Izaguirre was less involved than usual, although it must be said that he remains a fine player and will leave in the summer. The only sure evidence of Kris Commons’ involvement in the weekend were his pre and post match habit for running his mouth showing no sign of abating and Hooper was kept quiet, while Samaras did much decent work but mostly far from goal. The magnificent support throughout from the Rangers fans was matched by the general improvement and the effective execution of the Rangers game plan.  We have to wait to see if this has a psychological effect on the SPL run-in – and whether post-PSV Walter will bow to player demands reinforced today for a more flexible and attacking intention when one last time these two old foes meet – but it should be exciting. Now excused from further European adventures, Rangers have eleven SPL fixtures to meet before the end of the season. Five of them will be at Ibrox, including games against Celtic and Hearts. Celtic will play ten SPL games plus at least one tie in the Scottish Cup. Only four of those will be at Parkhead and they will surely travel to Ibrox and Tynecastle. Celtic’s bigger squad may yet tell but the international break affords Rangers a chance to rest the injured and hope to welcome back those almost ready for a return to battle. Led on to the park by a man in a training top, lead up to collect their losers’ medals by a man in a tracksuit and then off without the customary sporting reception and acknowledgement of the victors, Celtic yesterday took defeat in their customary manner. That there was no trouble on the touchline or in the tunnel while access was denied to the chief antagonist from previous incidents is clearly a coincidence. Waving bin-liners and only choosing to make their presence known through recourse to Irish song and DFS furniture homage, it wasn’t a great day for supporters of Glasgow’s second club. There will be no treble. The onus is now on Walter Smith and Rangers to ensure that the best Celtic can take from this season of controversy and noise is a Mono reward.

Source: FOOTYMAD