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Livingston had other ideas about this match. From the outset Livi had no intention of slacking, giving as good as they got and at times out passing the Multi-Million pound flops.
A frustrating game for Rangers throughout as Livi broke down their attacks with a very solid and capable defence. Livi’s passing game was good, they had plenty confidence and passion, and now showing that they are not there just to make up the numbers. Rangers on the other hand thought this game was to be a walk in the park but were poor and at times were outclassed by the home side.
Arteta was the star man for Rangers, good vision and accuracy in passing although Makel and Lovell pulled out all the stops to halt the Spaniard whenever on the ball.
Livi gained a penalty in the first half for a reckless Fernando Ricksen Challenge on McAllister after a good cut inside the box by the former Aberdeen defender.
Lee Makel stepped up to take the spot kick for Livi only to see his strike turned round the post by Klos. The penalty was a decent enough shot but it was matched by a fine save from the German keeper.
The entire Livi team played out their skins, matching Rangers in every department and sometimes bettering them. Fernandez once again was phenomenal; skinning Rangers Georgian defender Khizanishvili time after time and certainly caused the visitors problems in defence with a fine performance and link up play with Derek Lilley. Rangers had their chances and pushed for a winner late on but Livi keeper McKenzie denied them on several occasions and was the better of the two keepers on the day.
Once again the excuse has popped up about players being out injured for the Glasgow outfit and them not fielding a full first team squad, but what has to be remembered is that most players, if not everyone in that squad has to be worth at least one million pounds plus, and not forgetting the huge wage demands that must be about 20 thousand pound or more per week. So with a team like Rangers or Celtic excuses like this can no longer be used.
In my opinion Rangers were lucky to escape with a point, they were very poor indeed and showed no class that brought them the SPL title last season.
Good performance from Livi who now have not conceded a goal for around 400 minutes now and are showing steady signs of improvement throughout the team.
Livingston match rating, 8 out of 10.
Rangers match rating, 4 out of 10.
Ref watch - Hugh Dallas
7 out of 10. Dallas kept the match flowing, although sometimes seemed to be listening more to the away support. All in all, a fair game by the whistler.