Rangers manager Danny Rohl has admitted he understands the frustration of the travelling support after his side needed a last-gasp penalty to snatch a 2-2 draw away at Dundee United.
Late Drama Saves Rangers' Blushes
The Ibrox side found themselves trailing at Tannadice after goals from Zach Sapsford and Amar Fatah for the hosts, with a spectacular strike from Jayden Meghoma briefly levelling the scores. The match turned in the dying moments when substitute Nedim Bajrami converted a stoppage-time spot-kick, awarded for a foul on Max Aarons, to preserve Rangers' six-game unbeaten league run.
Despite the dramatic comeback, the Rangers players were met with loud jeers from their own fans at full-time. Rohl did not shy away from the reaction, acknowledging the supporters' right to be disappointed. "I understand the fans' reaction," said Rohl. "They came here on a Wednesday evening, 6,000 people and they spend money to come to these games."
Rohl Sees Progress in Attacking Display
While accepting the criticism, the German head coach was keen to highlight significant improvements in his team's offensive play. He contrasted the performance with the previous weekend's goalless draw against Falkirk, praising his players for creating a high volume of chances, including efforts from Danilo and Djeidi Gassama that struck the woodwork.
"On the weekend, we didn't create a lot of chances. Tonight we had chances for maybe four games," Rohl stated. "Our performance today in the offensive was one of the best since I've been here."
However, he pinpointed a lack of ruthlessness as the critical failing. "It's about being ruthless in both boxes, that's the key part," he emphasised. "If you defend well and score twice, it should be enough to win an away game. That's crucial." Rohl also refused to single out individuals, such as substitute Youssef Chermiti who missed a late header, for blame.
United Boss Rues Late Penalty Decision
For Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin, the late equaliser felt like a defeat. He had no major argument with the penalty award against Will Ferry but rued his side's inability to see the game out after a resilient defensive display.
"Right now, it feels like a defeat when you concede so late on in those circumstances," said Goodwin. His team also had a penalty appeal turned down when the ball struck Emmanuel Fernandez's arm.
Looking ahead, Rohl stressed the need for balance and consistency as his team aims to convert performances into wins. "If we can bring the two together, the clean sheet along with the style we played with tonight, we'll get a lot of points in the future," he concluded, with 23 league games still remaining in the season.
