Rangers missed a massive chance to go through to the Europa League knockout stage as they lost tamely to a very average Rapid Wien side. In all fairness, going by the way the Gers played in the last game, the fact that they were in with a chance to qualify until the final group game was a significant achievement in itself. It’s clear that the team overperformed in some of the games, but the win was there for the taking if the Light Blues had enough quality within themselves in the final third.
Injuries and suspensions didn’t help Gerrard’s cause as Daniel Candeias and Ryan Kent were unavailable. The Bears were heavily dependent on both their fullbacks and Glenn Middleton to produce some quality in the final third but that never came against Wien.
After the game, Gerrard also seemed to acknowledge that fact and gave a clear indication that he would look for reinforcements again in the January transfer window. The former Liverpool captain brought in as many as 15 players in the summer, but he still feels the team doesn’t have enough quality in them.
The manager was quoted as saying (Sky Sports),”In terms of numbers, I think we have had enough to cope. But to compete at this level, with ambitions to go further than the group, it’s obvious to me that the players need some help. That means obviously quality players that can come in and help.
A few of the signings who showed promise in the initial month are now struggling, and it seems clear that the club would once again do business in the January window to bring some quality to Rangers, especially in the attacking half of the pitch.
Gerrard had already indicated (The Scottish Sun) that signing a proper no. 10 is going to be the club’s priority and not having one probably was one of the reasons why the Bears failed to win a very winnable game against their Austrian opponents. The team has looked woefully out of ideas in some of the games, and that is one of the major things that Gerrard needs to change.
On current form, one would say Celtic will likely romp their way towards another title. They already sit two points clear having played a game less, and Rangers’ inability to win winnable games is probably what is going to cost them. A striker and a creative midfielder should be the top priority for the club in January. The gaffer also needs to ensure he gets players who can deliver results straight away and are matured enough if the Bears want to stop Celtic from winning another domestic title.
