Van Bronckhorst's Rangers tweaks pay-off

DAVIE Martindale claimed he'd noticed Giovanni van Bronckhorst's subtle tweaks to the Rangers formation since his appointment.

And even if he did plan accordingly, the new tactics worked with Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield showing their instructions to drive forward.

Arfield's classy opener was a result of a driving run from midfield before being picked out by James Tavernier with an excellent through ball.

And Aribo too, deployed centrally, proved his value in the centre with an inch-perfect curling effort from the edge of the box.

Just as interesting was the apparent instruction for Kamara to drop between the Rangers centre-backs when Livingston had goal kicks or free-kicks from well within their own half.

The instruction only further allowed his midfield team-mates to advance and support in the final third.

Another Fashion show

Fashion Sakala once again showed his striker's instinct as he came off the bench to notch another for Rangers.

The Zambian forward rose highest from a corner to power home a header and seal three points for Van Bronckhorst in his first league match.

It brings around another question of whether Sakala should be involved from the start. But Van Bronckhorst also has Morelos performing closer to his best and even handed Jermain Defoe the final few minutes.

It's a nice dilemma to have for the new Ibrox boss.

Rare defensive lapses could've been costly

THERE weren't many instances where Rangers looked anything other than in control at Livingston.

But those rare moments could've been so much more costly than they eventually turned out to be.

It was magic finished from Aribo and Arfield to start Rangers off at the Tony Macaroni but they could've been undone from long-balls over the top from Livi's centre-backs.

Livingston's only goal came from a ball fired up-field to the feet of Alan Forrest who forced Allan McGregor into a terrific stop before Bruce Anderson headed home the rebound.

It was route one, but it worked and will be something Van Bronckhorst will look to address as he continues to develop his tactics with his squad.

It's worth remebering Livingston could've even gone in level at the break if not for another stunning stop from McGregor as he tipped Forrest's close range effort over the bar after Anderson was allowed time to cross.