I was present at Ibrox on Sunday on what should have been another day of momentum for Rangers.
The stunning comeback against Falkirk earlier this month sparked belief and produced evidence that this Rangers team has what it takes to go the distance in the title.
Following the 3-2 defeat by Motherwell, that belief and confidence have been severely dented, and it will totally evaporate unless the team can go to Tynecastle and beat Hearts.
From my seat in the Copland Road stand, I witnessed the pre-match scenes that set the perfect backdrop for Rangers to perform. Or so we thought.
The fans were building the atmosphere early, with Ibrox looking vibrant and full of colour with various RSC flags and banners adding to the occasion.
Rangers concerns must be addressed
This should have been an inspiration for Danny Rohl’s team to go and secure the three points, but it was Motherwell who had the energy and the belief.
Rangers rallied to equalise at 2-2, but they couldn’t see it through with the visitors grabbing a late winner.
The fallout and soul-searching continue.
Ahead of the win-or-bust showdown against Hearts next Monday, here are three key concerns that Rohl and this Rangers team must address:
Failure to take advantage
It was all in Rangers’ hands.
The title fight is an unprecedented three-way race. It’s not supposed to be easy.
After Falkirk, everything was in place to make the most of the opportunity.
Instead, the players failed at the first opportunity.
It means that another slip-up against Hearts will be fatal. The end. Done.
Why can’t this group of players grasp the opportunity in front of them?
There’s an argument that they can’t lead from the front, but can only chase. That they won’t win the league unless it’s effectively handed to them.
Time is running out for Hearts and Celtic to implode (again) and they will be smelling blood with just four games remaining.
Tynecastle is do or die.
Missing in midfield, passing through the press
Rangers were given a lesson against Motherwell on Sunday.
All credit to Jens Berthel Askou for what he has built on a shoestring budget.
Rangers’ midfield pair of Nico Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani had no answer to the passing and patterns that were imposed on them.
Dominated with an extra man in the middle, Rangers’ engine room was redundant in the first half.
The introduction of Mo Diomande levelled things to an extent, with Thelo Aasgaard playing closer to Youssef Chermiti, supported by Djeidi Gassama and Mikey Moore from wide.
It was a better answer to the problem faced.
Rangers carried a threat in the second half and took the game to Motherwell.
Enough chances were created to win, never mind draw the game, but they couldn’t take the opportunity.
Danny Rohl’s risks
Djeidi Gassama started and finished the game. How?
No chances created and no shots on target – minimal impact on the game.
He simply can’t start against Hearts.
Then there was the substitution on 86 minutes with the game deadlocked at 2-2.
Connor Barron was introduced in place of Aasgaard.
A defensive midfielder for an attacker when the game had to be won. Was Rohl trying to ensure stability and take the draw? It didn’t work.
The message and the optics were negative ones. The fans are still annoyed.
On Sunday, Rohl got it wrong with his setup and the subs.
Changes should have been made right away at 2-0 when it was clear they were required.
Instead, he waited until half-time.
All these questions and more will need to be answered next Monday in what will be a capital calling.
These key Rangers concerns must be addressed or otherwise the title bid will collapse.
