Reflecting on this game and some others over the years it seems we have a striker problem, in terms of depth, availability, and quality. Beale has been justifiably been criticised for his choice in midfield, but he had no such luxury to do anything with the forward line. The priority in the summer has to be that.
Reflecting indeed. Its taken almost a week before I was able to listen to any sort of analysis of the game such was the infuriating and frustrating feeling I had from watching it unfold.
I think the Morelos change was overly questioned. He did well to grab the equaliser but he had not played well other than that and his fitness has been lacking for a long time. Changing him wasnt a bad idea and Colak is a good Striker if the Team actually get him the ball in and around the box.
Raskin and Cantwell shouldve started as has been said by almost everyone. They are clearly a country mile ahead of our other players in terms of ability and, irony overload, they brought the energy Beale said might be lacking in their own games given a lack of mins over recent months. A terminal mistake and despite his scrambling to explain it away, hes smart enough to realise that Im sure.
Kamara might not be the player he was but I can see the logic behind picking him given that he is a neat and tidy player who rarely gives the ball away. Im guessing Beale felt the big game would bring out the best in him and he might at least help Rangers retain possession in a match often running rampant where control of the ball is key.
The selection of Tav/Borna is always a concern and their inability to focus and stay mentally sharp at key moments again flared up but given the options they were always going to play.
Lundstrum being picked was probably the greatest misjudgement and went furthest in itself to costing Rangers. Beale did not select Raskin apparently concerned about a lack of sharpness yet picked a guy who cannot run or pass a ball as is. Whatever is wrong with John Lundsturm he clearly needs dropped and rested until he recovers himself. Picking him for this game in particular was a dreadful error and one which cannot be explained away.
I thought a Cup Double would at least end the season on a high and create a good platform for Beale in the Summer. Now thats shot to bits and hes going to struggle to create anything remotely similar based on whats left to play for.
The less said about the apologies, the unacceptables and the thatsonmes the better.
Rangers and we deserves a whole lot better than to be treated like idiots.
Bad enough the Players and Manager made themselves look like idiots last Sunday.
