Pressure grows on Gio as his defence crumbles

Giovanni van Bronckhorst watched his Iron Curtain Defence fold like a pack of cards as they handed the Champions League initiative to PSV Eindhoven. 

After getting their traditional huge slice of luck in the 70th minute when a Tom Lawrence free kick was fumbled over the line the Tribute Act were leading 2-1 with 20 minutes left to play. 

Some sensible defending and they’d be closing in on a place in the Champions League group stage draw alongside Celtic. 

Eight minutes later a corner was conceded, Connor Goldson ducked to avoid contact as Armando Obispo rose unchallenged to head in the equaliser from six yards out. Reality returned. 

Manager admits that defensive set up at set pieces needs improvement as it will be tested again next week. However, he didn’t seem willing to change the system itself, more about developing the current one. Hmm pic.twitter.com/6WrexBy9GT

— Martyn Ramsay (@hobbes_ff) August 16, 2022

3 minutes 40 seconds, second goal, Goldson ducks

Unlike last season’s freakish run to the final of the Europa League van Bronckhorst found his side up against a well organised and motivated opponents. PSV’s priority at this stage of the season is this tie, they have a free weekend to concentrate on the return leg while Ally McCoist mumps and moans. 

PSV have the template to see off the Ibrox men, exploit the space behind the full-backs and fire crosses into the six yard box. 

After making his first start against St Johnstone on Saturday Ben Davies joined Sick Note Souttar watching last night’s match from the Main Stand at Ibrox. 

There is no word on when Filip Helander will be available with Nicky Katic left out of the Champions League squad.