Philippe Clement cut a frustrated figure as he reflected on the 3-3 draw with Hibernian in Edinburgh on Sunday afternoon.
“It was a frustrating afternoon to concede two points in different ways – firstly we played a really good first-half, finding the spaces that we wanted to find with good combination play, good chances, good goals. We were also defensively solid.
“In the second-half we wanted to build on that, get a third goal – but Hibs came more into the game. We were leading. We were dominant, but we didn’t score the third goal which would have made a difference.”
Like many present at Easter Road, the Ibrox Boss was baffled by the decision of Referee John Beaton to award the home side a penalty on the hour.
“The penalty situation I don’t understand – a small collision between two players running at top speed…it was a very important moment in the game, creating momentum for Hibs.
“I asked the referee about the penalty – but we don’t agree. I’ll be curious to see what the panel and Willie Collum say about that.”
He was pleased at the reaction of his team to losing their lead.
“Still we came back, made it 3-2, but lost two points by conceding a header from a set-piece.
“There were a lot of positives – but it was disappointing to lose two points.”
Clement was at pains to emphasise the number of key defenders absent through injury.
“We don’t have the depth of squad to make many changes with injuries and everything. We know the situation we are in of course with so many defenders out.”
There was praise for three-goal Hamza Igamane..
“Hamza has made giant steps in the last three /four months – technically, tactically and physically. It’s exciting to see a young guy coming through like he has.”
Robert McElroy
