Rangers' crossing persistence pays after half-time tactical tinkering in Livingston

Crosses were constantly swung in and headed away, set-pieces failed to find their target and the low block appeared impenetrable. However, tactical tweaks at the break and strength in depth from the bench turned the score and earned three points.

As demonstrated by the xG trendline, it took time and persistence for Rangers to build any momentum.

"They’ve put in a block so we need to move the ball quicker, second half we really came out with purpose and showed great character," James Tavernier said.

In the first half, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side made little to no attacking inroads. Antonio Colak was completely uninvolved as passes were exchanged by the defensive contingent in front of the Livingston block.

After the interval, Malik Tillman joined Tom Lawrence in the centre while Tavernier and Ryan Kent benefitted from greater space down either wing.

The hosts’ 90-minute pass network is populated by much smaller circles than their opponents, outlining a far lower number of passes. Only 50 percent of Livingston's 180 passes found their intended target.

They had five shots, all of which originated from the left of Rangers’ defence.

Joel Nouble’s opener from the edge of the box turned a 0.15xG chance into a 0.79PsxG goal. Meaning, the quality of the forward’s strike turned a decent shooting location into a near-certain goal.

Of Rangers’ 1.48xG, two low-value chances were converted.

Arfield’s 0.03xg leveller…

…And Tavernier’s 0.08xG winner.

Most of Rangers’ pressure was exerted in the opposition half as they tried to counterpress and regain possession quickly.

For large sways, Nouble’s presence up top made that a difficult venture. The 26-year-old was dominant in his duels and offered a target to hit.

Livingston camped in their half for the game’s entirety, mainly applying pressure down their right and Rangers’ left, where Kent would eventually provide real quality from.

Having attempted 39 crosses over the 90 minutes, van Bronckhorst's side eventually broke through Livingston with Kent’s right-footed delivery.

Plenty of times in the past, a persistent number of crosses have led to domestic dropped points for the Ibrox side. Yesterday, aided by the bench and alterations, one delivery eventually proved decisive.