written by – Rangers Report

Note:  For an explanation of this statistic, please read this introductory post.

CZE:  Controlled Zone Entry, Pos Res:  Positive Result, Success Rate:  percentage of controlled entries turned into a positive result

This data is meant to be an entry point to further understand where Rangers attack is being generated.  It is, however, only a starting point.

These stats would have much greater meaning if passing in the final third was tracked.  The players mentioned above are the catalysts for advanced play in the attacking third, but the ultimate results usually fall upon the feet of their teammates.

• In their last match, Rangers had 45 Controlled Entries into the final third.  The smaller amount of CZEs against Falkirk is testament to the Bairns’ ability to clog up the midfield & slow Rangers attack down.
• There was no apparent replacement for Gedion Zelalem’s abilty to dictate play in the final third.  In the previous three matches, he had been averaging nine CZEs as the focal point of Rangers midfield.  Jason Holt & Dean Shiels combined for six Controlled Zone Entries against Falkirk.
• It was a quiet match for Nathan Oduwa who normally drives play into the final third with great success.  After 11 CZEs last week & an astounding 91% success rate, he only had two Controlled Entries into the final third on Saturday.
• Once Martyn Waghorn was switched out to the right, he embraced a more direct approach to carrying the ball into the final third & it led to two shots on goal, including a goal.
• Lee Wallace didn’t offer much attack up the left flank & only had the one CZE.
• Barrie McKay was excellent early in the match, but he was less active in carrying the ball into the final third as the match went on.  Chances are, Peter Houston’s tactics shifted to shut down McKay more as it became evident that the youngster was driving Rangers play in the first half.
• When all else fails, tell James Tavernier to carry the ball into the final third, it usually leads to something positive.

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