THE only change Giovanni van Bronckhorst made ahead of Rangers’ Old Firm win over Celtic on Sunday was in goals.

Despite his team having faced a taxing 120 minutes against Braga just three days earlier, the Dutchman opted for the same outfield contingent. His decision to continue with McLaughlin in the cup was a surprise given previous loyalty to Allan McGregor, who has endured good and bad days since the manager arrived.

Having resisted the urge to take McGregor out of the firing line following costly mistakes against Motherwell and Ross County, or rotate his No.1 when opponents regularly targeted a reluctance to command the box in recent weeks, choosing to go with McLaughlin felt significant and was a decision vindicated by the full-time whistle.

The Scotland keeper was hardly tested in open play but proved a valuable asset in two particular phases of play; when facing crosses and playing out from the back.

Addressing the former first, every supporter watching would’ve felt far safer whenever a delivery was aimed towards their goal. McGregor’s reluctance to command his penalty box and encroach the six-yard line has been a career-long theme, exacerbated in recent months. Opposing corners have been played on top of the veteran, such as Ross Graham’s header for Dundee United earlier this year, while crosses in open play that should’ve been gathered have been left untouched, like Motherwell’s first goal at Ibrox in late February.

Indeed in the 2-1 Old Firm defeat suffered earlier in the month, McGregor was arguably culpable for either goal, pushing a shot into the path of Tom Rogic as the game was levelled and failing to gather a cross as Celtic took the lead.

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In possession at the national stadium, his impact was subtly effective. During their 3-0 defeat at Parkhead, a key failing in the Rangers ranks was found in their build-up play. Whenever under pressure, McGregor looked long and a lack of composure ensured possession was constantly recovered by the hosts. On Sunday, McLaughlin could help his team fulfil an important part of their game plan, attracting and exploiting the press.

Van Bronckhorst seemingly set his team up to trigger the opposition press and then play into the space these runs created. It’s a risky ploy and at one point even lead to the concession of a corner through overplaying. Over the course of the game, this risk paid off and allowed Rangers to target pockets of space Celtic left open. 

A look at the pass network below shows clear, thick lines between McLaughlin and his two centre-backs. By forming this triangle in possession, James Tavernier was relieved of some build-up duties and could instead push up the pitch, whenever Daizen Maeda, Liel Abada or Jota exerted serious pressure, the safety net provided by McLaughlin proved effective.

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Given McGregor’s shot-stopping statistics have reduced substantially from the highs of last season, yesterday will likely not be the last significant game he plays in. With superior ability on the ball and a command of the penalty box which addresses a recent Achilles heel, van Bronckhorst should arguably make his No.2 the No.1 for the season’s remainder.