I'll be honest, yesterday went a bit better than I expected but ultimately we were deservedly beaten and in the end it was all a bit too comfortable for Rangers, who were never really under any pressure in the final stages when we really should have been pressing for an equaliser - even if that meant conceding again.
I know our options off the bench are severely limited but I just felt increasingly frustrated as the game wore on that we weren't trying to get something from the game. I have no problem with the ultra-defensive anti-football set up in a game like this - ultimately Rangers are a much better side than us and in terrific form - but at some point you have to change to try to take points.
I thought we did pretty well in the first half. We were organised, which is what we expect, and we actually offered a bit of a threat by trying to get into the areas vacated by Rangers' attacking full backs. I thought our equaliser was deserved (if unexpected) and we created one or two other chances that could have resulted in goals.
But the second half was all a bit meh. In the end I was bored, because Rangers were cruising and we seemed happy with the narrow defeat.
Obviously the big talking point was the Morelos elbow/forearm smash and the ref only giving a yellow card. If anyone wants to try to argue that it wasn't a red card then be my guest, but I only think you'll make yourself look ridiculous if you do. It was a crazy challenge that I can't begin to understand and the fact he only had eyes on the player rather than the ball speaks volumes. It was a red card all day long and it's a poor, poor decision from the referee that would have been game changing. I appreciate Rangers had a strong claim for a penalty and that will be used as a counter to show the ref was bad for both teams, but the red card decision was the big one.
Hibs away next week and I expect to see us continue with our anti-football approach in that game too. Hopefully we then abandon it before the visit of Kilmarnock on the 23rd but I won't hold my breath.
Mon the Terrors
DUFC 1 RFC 2
posted on 14/12/20
Good summary and I have to say I thought United were our toughest test this season 1st half. Were unlucky to go in at half time behind and should have had a 1 man advantage.
2nd half United looked like they couldn't keep up same pace. Maybe if they had the advantage that might not have been the case then who knows.
No consolation to you Ivan but referee decisions possibly caused us points against Hibs so I'm happy to take it back the other way. In previous seasons the "evening out" hasn't happened for us. That said it's a poor reflection that we rely on such arbitrary justice.
People mentioning United's defence but 1st half I actually think you attacked with good pace and intent when possible. If you can find some form for shankland surely goals will come. I can certainly see top 6 for United
posted on 14/12/20
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posted on 14/12/20
comment by Call Sign: ngiS llaC (U3627)
posted 3 hours, 5 minutes ago
Not a game for the purists.
Shankland missed a sitter which may have made a big difference.
I watched the first half and then spent the second half mostly watching the F1 and flicking over. The F1 was utterly dull on a track with very little overtaking possible.
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Poorest and most boring F1 for a long time, still not long until the new season
Good three points yesterday and never a red card, the ref was spot on
posted on 14/12/20
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 14/12/20
I got frustrated that towards the end of the game any time Benji had the ball, or we had a free kick we took our time taking it, giving Rangers plenty time to get back and organised. It’s little things like that. Thought we gave away too many free kicks around the box. That said I was fearing much worse before the match, and whilst I wouldn’t ever “settle” for losing - the realist in me knows it could have been a different story!
We’re desperately in need of a midfielder who can pass the ball through to our front two. Any word on when Chalmers is due back?
posted on 14/12/20
With The Rangers (est. 2012) in deep financial mire it's obvious the refs have been instructed that they must win the league this season and will give them every decision they possibly can.
It's certainly more believable than the referee being so incompetent that he missed the clear assault by Morelos. Someone that inept wouldn't be able to tie their shoes or even stand up straight.
Decent performance, but what can you expect when it's not a fair fight?
posted on 14/12/20
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 14/12/20
comment by Drunken Hobo (U7360)
posted 1 hour, 5 minutes ago
With The Rangers (est. 2012) in deep financial mire it's obvious the refs have been instructed that they must win the league this season and will give them every decision they possibly can.
It's certainly more believable than the referee being so incompetent that he missed the clear assault by Morelos. Someone that inept wouldn't be able to tie their shoes or even stand up straight.
Decent performance, but what can you expect when it's not a fair fight?
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Bahahahahaha
posted on 15/12/20
comment by An s&m Lauders (U9757)
posted 15 hours, 16 minutes ago
comment by Drunken Hobo (U7360)
posted 1 hour, 5 minutes ago
With The Rangers (est. 2012) in deep financial mire it's obvious the refs have been instructed that they must win the league this season and will give them every decision they possibly can.
It's certainly more believable than the referee being so incompetent that he missed the clear assault by Morelos. Someone that inept wouldn't be able to tie their shoes or even stand up straight.
Decent performance, but what can you expect when it's not a fair fight?
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Bahahahahaha
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Such beautiful salty tears
I think the GIRUY applies here
posted on 15/12/20
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator