Move over Silva: Rangers 48-touch gem who lost possession 17x took his chance vs Livi – opinion

Rangers’ victory over Livingston today reduced the distance at the top of the table to just three points.Glasgow Rangers defeated Livingston handily this afternoon at Ibrox to earn their fourth straight Premiership victory.

Philippe Clement didn’t need a team meeting after Celtic let a goal go against Aberdeen in the midday kickoff, and the Gers led by two goals at the break.

Even though they should have probably gone for the kill in the second half, a goal from Todd Cantwell secured a 3-0 victory, putting the Light Blues level with Celtic provided they win their remaining match against Aberdeen on Tuesday.

Since October, there has been a remarkable upturn, and it appears that the January immigrants are finally settling in.
The Portuguese forward Fabio Silva made just his second start for the Ibrox team and went on to take advantage of his opportunity. He signed with Rangers on a loan contract that ran until the end of the season. Silva scored his first goal for the team against Livingston.

The striker looked a threat, not only setting up the first goal but also demonstrating his ability to drop deep and create good connections with others around him as opposed to keeping himself to himself in the opposition box.

During his time on the pitch, Silva had four shots in total. He also missed a good opportunity but made two important passes, displaying his attacking prowess in front of a boisterous crowd.

The young player will feel a lot of confidence after scoring the team’s first goal, and he could be a key player in this year’s championship match.

Rabbi Matondo was another player that ventured into the starting lineup, particularly with Oscar Cortes, a recent addition, providing competition on the left flank.

Livingston vs. Rabbi Matondo’s game in numbers
The winger did not have the best of starts against Livingston, who were forming a low block, but he adjusted admirably in the first half.

Just before halftime, he cut inside and scored what appeared to be the game-winning goal, earning plaudits from journalist Joshua Barrie.

“Goal for Rangers – what a masterful strike from Rabbi Matondo!” he said.

Playing against a densely populated defence this time, he has had a mixed performance. As Rangers shift the ball side to side, he slices inside and strikes the far corner. The hosts win 2-0.

In his 61 minutes on the pitch, the former Schalke star made 48 touches and threatened the Livi defence with four efforts on goal, despite failing to provide a single well-aimed cross.

Despite losing control 17 times due to his aggressive play against defenders, he displayed an excellent attitude on the pitch and eventually made room for Cortes to make his Rangers debut.

Abdallah Sima’s injury will keep him out of action for some time, thus Matondo and Cortes will compete for a spot on the left wing.

Although the Welshman’s performance this afternoon wasn’t extraordinary, it certainly gave Clement a lot to consider going into the next few games.

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