Rangers' Dramatic Late Equaliser at Livingston Keeps Title Hopes Alive
In a season already packed with twists and turns, the supporters of the three Premiership title challengers were subjected to yet another heart-stopping spectacle at Almondvale. The relentless late drama, while thrilling, surely tests the limits of fan endurance, raising questions about the toll on their well-being.
Late Heroics and VAR Controversy
With just half an hour remaining, Rangers' aspirations appeared to be crumbling as they trailed 2-0. However, Mikey Moore emerged as the saviour, netting a crucial equaliser two minutes from time to prevent a potentially fatal blow. The tension did not subside there, as eleven minutes of added time brought a lengthy VAR review after Moore seemed to be fouled by Cammy Kerr just inside the box. The contact was correctly judged to have occurred outside the area, but no foul was awarded since the referee had not blown for the initial infringement, adding a final layer of mayhem to an already bonkers campaign.
A Point Gained or Two Dropped?
In the broader context, this result might ultimately be viewed as a point gained rather than two lost, though its true significance will only become clear in the coming months. Attempting to predict the outcomes between now and May's conclusion is futile; perhaps it's best to simply sit back and savour the unpredictability. Rangers winger Mikey Moore celebrated wildly after scoring the late equaliser, while his tumble in the box during stoppage time sparked intense debate. Livingston's Cristian Montano was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul on Djeidi Gassama, further complicating the match's narrative.
Hearts Capitalise as Rivals Stumble
With both of their rivals faltering, Hearts enjoyed a perfect weekend, grinding out a 1-0 victory over Falkirk. The Gorgie men now have the opportunity to extend their lead to seven points if they can defeat Aberdeen at Tynecastle next Saturday, just ahead of the Old Firm derby less than 24 hours later. The question remains: which version of Rangers will show up for that crucial clash? After delivering one of their season's best performances in a statement win over the league leaders at Ibrox last weekend, this match against a team winless since mid-August should have been straightforward. Yet, Rangers made it agonisingly difficult.
Rangers' Inconsistent Form Under Rohl
Goals from Brooklyn Kabongolo and the impressive Lewis Smith either side of half-time had put Livingston, the league's bottom side, in dreamland. Montano's red card on the hour mark provided the ailing visitors with the impetus they desperately needed, with Moore scoring after Emmanuel Fernandez had levelled the score with 15 minutes to play. This performance echoed many of Rangers' away displays under Danny Rohl since the new year, including a woeful goalless draw at Hibs and a fortunate point at Motherwell. While not as dire, it fell far short of the consistency required to lift the league trophy in May.
Squad Character Shines Through
Rangers deserve immense credit for fighting their way into contention, and the squad's character is undeniable, as demonstrated once again here. However, a regular injection of quality would be beneficial. They started brightly in West Lothian, with Tuur Rommens influential on the left, but Youssef Chermiti failed to replicate his heroics against Hearts, struggling throughout. Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior was instrumental in keeping the scores level early on, making a spectacular save to tip Rommens' header onto the post.
Defensive Lapses and Redemption
Defensive slackness allowed Livingston to counter, and they took a shock lead on 14 minutes when Kabongolo volleyed home from a free-kick. Rangers dominated possession but created little, remaining vulnerable at the back. Prior continued to impress, denying Moore from distance, while James Tavernier tested the keeper after a neat one-two with Andreas Skov Olsen, who was substituted at half-time after another underwhelming display. After surviving early second-half pressure, Livingston struck again through Smith's clinical finish, exposing Rangers' defensive frailties.
Late Surge and Final Whistle Drama
Montano's red card gave Rangers a lifeline, but they struggled to capitalise until Fernandez blasted home from close range. Moore's brilliant near-post header from Tavernier's cross then secured the equaliser, though he believed he had a penalty claim in stoppage time after being fouled by Kerr. VAR official David Dickinson ruled the contact outside the box, capping off another extraordinary afternoon in this unforgettable Premiership season.
Livingston (3-5-2): PRIOR 8; Kabongolo 7, Wilson 7, McGowan 6; Finlayson 6, Pittman 5.5, Danso 6.5 (May 72), Tait 6 (Sylla 71), Montano 5; Smith 7 (Fati 63), Muirhead 6 (Nouble 72). Booked: Finlayson. Sent off: Montano. Manager: Marvin Bartley 7.
Rangers (4-2-3-1): Butland 6; Tavernier 7, Souttar 6 (Aasgaard 73), Fernandez 6, Rommens 7; Raskin 5, Chukwuani 5 (Naderi 64); Skov Olsen 3 (Miovski 46), Moore 7, Gassama 5; Chermiti 5. Booked: Chermiti. Manager: Danny Rohl 5.
Referee: Ryan Lee. Attendance: 8,746.
