Rangers Find New Gear in Comfortable Victory Over Viktoria Plzen | OneFootball

Rangers Find New Wings in Commanding Victory Over Viktoria Plzen

Gassama and Antman ignite Ibrox with thrilling display

There was a time when the very mention of wingers at Rangers would spark comparisons with legends. Brian Laudrup’s name still echoes through the stands at Ibrox, but few expected it to be summoned after a 3-0 Champions League qualifying win over Viktoria Plzen. And yet, the performances of Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman offered fans a tantalising glimpse of wide play at its electric best.

Former Ibrox midfielder Derek Ferguson acknowledged it was “ridiculously premature” to place Gassama or Antman in the same breath as Laudrup, but the sentiment only served to underline how enthralling their performances were. Against a shell-shocked Viktoria Plzen, the duo provided a level of dynamism and intent Rangers have been crying out for.

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Arrival of Gassama and Antman changes the tone

Signed from Sheffield Wednesday in July, Gassama has wasted little time in justifying his acquisition. His pair of goals in each leg of the club’s previous round clash with Panathinaikos were pivotal in dragging Rangers through a treacherous tie. Now, on this European night, his influence was no less decisive.

On the opposite wing, Antman made his debut just a day after putting pen to paper on a four-year deal. The Finnish international, formerly with Go Ahead Eagles, immediately displayed pace, guile and a hunger to impact the game. His movement, decision-making and willingness to attack defenders helped give Rangers a potent new dimension.

“I can’t remember the last time Rangers had two electric wingers on the pitch at the same time,” said Andy Halliday on Sportscene. “For such a long period of time, it’s been such a problem for Rangers.”

Suddenly, Rangers look like a side recharged, and for their long-suffering fans, that change has been both overdue and transformative.

Why Rangers’ wide men shone against Viktoria Plzen

Antman, operating with the confidence of someone fully tuned in, was everywhere. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, he made an impression with his direct running and composure in possession. A goal-bound effort was cleared off the line, and he was later brought down for a penalty, dispatched by Cyriel Dessers.

It was Antman’s cross that found Gassama at the back post for the third goal, effectively putting the tie beyond Viktoria Plzen. The assist was a study in precision and timing. “I think you can see why we wanted to sign him,” said Rangers head coach Russell Martin. “He’s game, he’s willing, he’s really competitive and he has moments of real quality.”

Gassama’s finish was his fourth goal in as many matches since joining the club, doubling his tally from 47 appearances at Hillsborough. That three of those goals have come in the Champions League only adds weight to his impact.

“We spoke about the need for some winger-to-winger goals and Gassama is really stepping up in terms of intensity, he really wants to score,” said Martin. “We showed him a lot of clips when we signed him where he ends up too far away from goal. He’s taken on the information really, really well.”

Newfound optimism and validation from Ibrox icons

Praise has flowed from all corners. Former Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands declared, “Antman has shown fantastic promise. He’s looking very, very exciting and he has a bundle of pace. And I love how Gassama attacks the back post.”

For a club that has often relied on central play or struggled to stretch opponents, the arrival of such potent wide threats has invigorated more than just the team sheet. It has lifted the mood around Ibrox.

“I was so impressed with Antman. He had everything. His work rate was excellent and he did a great job,” added Halliday. “You can already see why he got so many assists last season. He doesn’t just drive it into the box, he tries to pick players out.”

Derek Ferguson was equally impressed, noting that the duo brought “an injection of pace in the final third” that had previously been missing. “Antman was sensational. He’s very direct and lightning quick and I can’t remember him giving the ball away. His decision making was spot on.”

Steven Thompson captured the mood among pundits and fans alike. “The penetration Antman has brought to this side has been absolutely brilliant. What an impact. They just look so much more dangerous.”

Rangers find their rhythm at the perfect time

With one foot already in the next round, Rangers’ supporters can dare to believe this European campaign might stretch deeper into the competition. Viktoria Plzen were no walkover, but they were made to look second-best by a side brimming with renewed pace and purpose.

In Gassama and Antman, Rangers may have found the wide men to finally lift them to greater heights. The Laudrup comparisons may be premature, but the excitement is entirely justified.