‘Haven’t got’: BBC pundit felt Rangers duo were frustrated at Ross County

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Rangers impressed John Robertson with their dominance in possession at Ross County this Friday. But the Gers’ lack of a ‘focal point’ still frustrated James Tavernier and Scott Arfield.

Michael Beale continued his unbeaten start at Ibrox after John Lundstram (35’) scored the only goal in a 1-0 win. The midfielder drilled the ball in from the edge of the Staggies’ area at Victoria Park. But only after a number of key saves by Gers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

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McLaughlin replaced Allan McGregor in the Ibrox natives’ line-up after Rangers’ No 1 fell ill ahead of facing Ross County. But the stand-in shot-stopper stood firm as he denied George Harmon early on. The 35-year-old reacted well to block a header from only four yards out.

Beale also made changes to his attack with Alfredo Morelos benched as Fashion Sakala got a centralised role. The 25-year-old would end the match having taken the joint-most shots by any player on either side. But Sakala would send just one of his four attempts on target.

Sakala further missed a glaring chance to net on 19 minutes, while Ross Laidlaw denied the forward in the 54th. It was the Zambian’s last telling impact before Morelos took over, and go on to match his four shots. But per WhoScored, he likewise only directed one on target.

Rangers impressed Robertson but Ross County left Tavernier and Arfield frustrated

Former Ross County boss Robertson hinted during the game that Rangers’ lack of a natural centralised forward to guide the Gers’ attacks frustrated Tavernier and Arfield. They ended the match having only created one chance each. Adam Devine created the most with four.

“It’s an impressive spell of possession for Rangers,” he said on BBC Sportsound. “But the last third, they haven’t got a focal point. Tavernier [and] Arfield, they want players to play off and play one-twos. Malky Mackay will be quite happy they’re not getting opened up.”

Rangers coach Beale brought Ryan Jack on for Arfield 67 minutes into his first Premiership start since October 22. The substitute went on to create two chances, matching the efforts of Ryan Kent, Malik Tillman and fellow substitute Rabbi Matondo – who replaced Tillman.