A contender for the greatest result in their history.
That tells you everything you need to know about the enormity of Aris Limassol's 2-1 win over Rangers this evening.
The Cypriot side compounded a horrid week for the Ibrox club by taking all three points on matchday two of the Europa League group stage. Michael Beale may be gone, but the same old issues in the playing squad remain.
Here are five burning issues from the game...
Davis debut
A baptism of fire for the Northern Ireland midfielder. He took to the dugout for the first time as a manager as he started his spell in interim charge of the club. The 38-year-old will not look back on it with much fondness though after a dismal display on the continent. Rangers had a spell of increased pressure in the second half, but there are major questions to be asked of the players. This one isn’t on Davis, it’s on them – Beale isn’t there to carry the can now.
One-paced and out of ideas
A lack of imagination was evident throughout. As stated, this cannot be labelled as Davis’ fault, nor the rest of his interim coaching staff. It ultimately comes down to poor recruitment, leaving Rangers with a squad that lacks a sharp turn of pace and energy, not to mention quality in key areas. Of course, the pitch was a factor, it looked heavy and badly cut up, but it was the same for both teams.
Shambolic at the back
What on earth was Connor Goldson doing for the Aris opener? Where was the leadership? He’s often regarded as an unofficial captain in the team. Well, he was posted missing here. He appeared to duck out of the way as his opponent rose to nod home. Sam Lammers was the spare man and he shirked his responsibilities of going to clear the danger. There was absolutely zero pressure on the winger who crossed the ball in either. The back four looked to be at sixes and sevens. The back four didn’t show enough desire at the winner either.
Sima the shining light
If there was one bright spark for the Ibrox club it was Abdallah Sima. In the second half particularly the on-loan Brighton attacker was creative, dangerous and effective going forward. He was one of a few, if not the only wearing red, who took responsibility and grabbed the bull by the horns. His header was fantastic.
Booed off the park
There’s not much more that needs to be added here, it speaks for itself. Rangers are in a state of flux and appear to be in crisis mode. The packed-out travelling support rightly vented their frustration toward the players.
