THE Rangers fans watching on at Dens Park last night were visibly furious as their heroes trudged off after dropping more points in the Premiership title race.
But those looking on from home found plenty to worry about too as the Gers’ alarming form continued.
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Rangers were held to a goalless draw by Dundee as the game finally went ahead at the third time of asking.
The result saw Philippe Clement’s men blow the chance to move to within a point of leaders Celtic having also suffered a shock defeat to Ross County at the weekend.
Instead, the Hoops have a three point advantage heading into the post-split fixtures.
It was another poor result in what’s developed into a horror run for Rangers.
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They’ve now failed to win their last three league matches – the club’s worst run for FIVE years.
It’s also just one win in five Premiership games and just two wins from eight in all competitions.
The Sky Sports cameras captured the furious reaction of the Gers punters in the stands at Dens as the players walked off.
There’s plenty for boss Clement to ponder and Light Blues fans feel there’s a something he needs to change instantly heading into the next game.
Since arriving in January, Mohamed Diomande has firmly established himself as a key man in midfield.
But a thumb injury has seen him ruled out of the past two games, missing the 3-2 defeat to Ross County and the 0-0 draw with Dundee.
And many fans feel the midfield has been given a runaround in those games in Diomande’s absence – and what Clement has done with the Ivorian unavailable.
As well as regular fixture John Lundstram, Clement selected both Todd Cantwell and Tom Lawrence in the midfield three.
And it’s fair to say fans feel that tweak simply did not work.
It was only the seventh time both players have started in the same Rangers team.
Usually both deployed in attacking role, Lawrence was asked to sit deeper with Lundstram at Dens Park with Cantwell the attacking player of the three.
When Cantwell was hooked for Kieran Dowell early in the second half, Lawrence moved into a more advanced position.
But for many fans, their mind has been made up with regards Cantwell and Lawrence offering a midfield solution as a pairing.
One fan simply said: “Lawrence and Cantwell can’t play in the same team.”
A second said: “In a midfield containing Lawrence and Cantwell, Lundstram shouldn’t be expected to create. He’s doing what HE needs to do. Lawrence and Cantwell can’t play in same team.”
A third added: “I think Lawrence is wasted deeper in midfield. Silva and Cantwell don’t really compliment each other at all either for me.”
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A fourth said: “Cantwell and Lawrence lost due to us playing the ball over the top. Needing to get Sterling into midfield.”
Another added: “This midfield is well below standard. Cantwell/Lawrence are posted missing.”
The performance also left many others desperate for the return of Diomande for this Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts.
While others felt that the midfield was crying out for another player naturally adept at the defensive side to sit alongside Lundstram.
Normally, that would be Diomande.
One fan said: “I don’t care if Diomande’s thumb has fallen off, we need him back in that midfield.”
While a second added: “Lundstram needs a pal. He’s massively missed Diomande and Lawrence isn’t a No6.
“If Raskin isn’t playing, then Sterling has to play there and that means Barisic has to be left back.
“Lawrence and Cantwell are two players that like to do the same thing. It’s no wonder it’s a mess.”
There is still plenty of time for Rangers to turn things around but if they are to do so, things will have to change fast.
The Light Blues will have the chance to move level on points with Celtic in their first post-split fixture.
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Rangers travel to St Mirren at lunchtime on Sunday, April 28 with the Hoops then facing Dundee later that same afternoon.
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