Todd Cantwell felt the heat the most, but for the most part, it was a night to forget at Ibrox.
Under Philippe Clement, even the most ardent doubters of climate change would have to concede that the temperature is rising.
However, there is undeniable evidence that the chill factor and the temperature of minus six at Ibrox on Thursday night have nothing to do with it; instead, dread, mounting impatience, and his temper are the main factors. After Todd Cantwell was made an example of, the Europa League tie with Aris Limassol came about. Cantwell’s contribution to the Cypriot team’s first goal resulted in an invitation to return to the dugout in the 35th minute.
To put it bluntly, Clement had plenty of underperformers during the first forty-five minutes of play, but his excessively detailed and puffy style called for a bold declaration of intent rather than a tactical maneuver. Even though Cantwell was signed as a bluechip player by Clement’s predecessor, Michael Beale, in January of last year, the man in charge right now is obviously not persuaded the former Norwich player will be a part of his long-term adventure.
The fact that Ross McCausland, his replacement, even the score and put on a much less ostentatious performance to swing the game back in his team’s favor further damaged his pride. The manager is clearly aware that he has taken on a significant amount of Beale’s baggage.
Todd Cantwell’s halftime hook is explained by Philippe Clement.
The Clement team’s struggle to break free and play with a purpose was evident on Thursday; accountability has been crucial in this endeavor. Just ask Cantwell what happens if you don’t do as the Belgian asks or don’t follow his directions exactly.
The manager’s withdrawal from the action was an indication that they are not going to put up with idiots. On the sidelines, there was an embrace for his player, but it didn’t lessen the severity of what will be a public disgrace for a performer who gets his kicks from being the focal point of antics that highlight his contributions in a more positive light.
With Clement, there’s a seriousness and credibility that his self-serving predecessor sadly lacked. Think back a few months. Everything seemed a little off course; Beale had been fired, and the team had lost 2-1 in Cyprus at the Alphamega Stadium with Steven
When Davis selected the team in October, the Rangers lacked both on- and off-field leadership. All of this is beginning to appear a little more plausible, both at home and when traveling throughout Europe. with a strong focus on the slowly. Prior to any football being played in Govan, there was positive news from Group C. Sparta Prague’s victory over Real Betis ensured that the Light Blues would advance to the Europa League round of 16 with just a draw in Seville in two weeks.
Still, there was enough of motivation for a team aiming for a sixth consecutive victory at home in this tournament. Fair enough, and this is just a formality, but the Rangers should be handling an Aris team that has been making up ground.
The full house was a far cry from the 150 spectators that watched the Cypriots play a league game at Karmiotissa two weeks prior. The Cypriots were also inside an Ibrox cauldon. It was discovered that they flourished in an environment that would have the residents complaining from the very first moments of a match that ought to have been all about taking the lead.
Aris should have advanced because it was an unsatisfactory start, jittery and unsure in possession. Only a fantastic save by Jack Butland kept Caju from smashing home the first goal. The first twenty minutes of the match were dominated by the visitors’ increasing inventiveness in the final third as they adopted a have-a-go-hero attitude with runners going past the Rangers backline. Clement had warned of the “chaos” which the visitors generate when they attack, and he’d called it straight on.
Cantwell gave away cheap possession in the build-up, and Shavy Babicka only needed to sprint past Ben Davis and around Jack Butland to glide home the opening goal on the half-hour mark.
The Russian World Cup star’s effortless acceleration past the Gers defense, which made the lush Ibrox turf appear like quicksand, was even more concerning. That proved to be the most important moment of an otherwise dull evening when the hook was pulled for Cantwell and McAusland came on.
The Northern Irishman, who earlier this week signed a new contract extension, celebrated by scoring an equalizer via the post shortly after halftime, giving his team a chance to continue and win. Throughout a significant portion of the match, Clement remained on the sidelines, attempting to persuade his team to perform better than what really happened. With one game remaining, he had urged his men to seize the chance to defeat Aris and secure qualification.
They only have themselves to blame now since they have to go to Real Betis and win, but last night shown that the manager is taking the gloves off and would scold even the biggest noses in his dressing room if they don’t follow his plan.
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