Rangers manager Steven Gerrard singled out the ‘outstanding’ Filip Helander for praise after Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League qualification defeat to Malmo, as reported to the BBC.
Away goals may no longer be a factor these days but the relief was palpable when Steven Davis’ long-range drive looped off an unfortunate defender and into the net with 95 minutes on the clock in Sweden.
Just one week after bitter rivals Celtic were knocked out of the Champions League by another Scandinavian giant, Rangers were staring down the barrel too, having conceded two goals in the blinking of an eye against a fired-up Malmo side.
Davis’ last-gasp strike was more than just a consolation, however; it’s a lifeline, a platform for The Gers to build upon during the return leg at Ibrox next week.
Did Filip Helander and Steven Davis save Rangers?
A frustrated Gerrard insisted at full-time that ‘six or seven’ Rangers players must improve and fast after a disjointed display against Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side.
The ever-reliable Davis did escape the manager’s wrath, however, as did a defender who ensured that a hill did not become a mountain for a club who’s finances and who’s reputation would be transformed by Champions League qualification.
“We had two magnificent performances. Filip Helander, who I thought was outstanding, and Steven Davis,” Gerrard said.
“I’m running out of plaudits for Davo. He’s someone that doesn’t give up. He keeps going to the end and he’s someone that’s provided a real big moment that’s given us an important lifeline going into next week.”
It wasn’t all bad for Rangers in Malmo.
Cedric Itten, given the nod at centre-forward, was a major threat in the first-half, his work-rate and link-play giving the visitors a real outlet in attack.
Scott Wright, meanwhile, impressed with his speed and movement, even if the former Aberdeen winger was often found wanting when it came to producing that definitive final ball.
A one-goal deficit is far from unsurmountable, either, especially with an eager Ibrox crowd cheering Rangers on.
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