Liam Kelly believes Rangers’ defensive shortcomings at Easter Road were unacceptable as they once again dropped crucial points on the road.
A 3-3 draw against Hibs came just three days after the Ibrox club produced their best performance of the season against Celtic, with Philippe Clement’s run away from home in the Premier League now at three wins from ten.
Next up is another tricky trip, this time to Dundee on Thursday evening in the league, and goalkeeper Kelly is convinced they simply need to avoid the costly mistakes.
“I was really disappointed that we couldn’t come away with a win (against Hibs) after three goals,” said the Scotland international, who again had to replace the injured Jack Butland. ‘If you play for this club and score three goals, that should be more than enough to win.
‘I was really annoyed by the defensive moments we gave away. They were sloppy moments. We should never have conceded three goals.’
Martin Boyle’s first of the afternoon proved the crucial moment of the match, with Hibs handed a lifeline to Rangers’ inability to defend a routine situation.
Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly begins the inquest after Hibs scored their third goal on Sunday
Kelly was helpless as Rocky Bushiri headed in a late equalizer in the 3-3 draw at Easter Road
Kelly says Rangers’ defense was not strong enough in key moments this season
“We gave away a terrible goal, all of us together,” Kelly added. “A very bad goal and it gives them life in the game, which they never had.
‘It also came out of nowhere, really a set piece, of course. We don’t defend it as a team and we gave them hope when we were so good in the early stages of the game. So really frustrating.
‘I thought we played well a lot, but at times we didn’t defend well. There were a lot of good things, but no one cares if you don’t win a game.
“I’m not even going to sit here and try to waste anyone’s time talking about the good stuff because no one cares if you don’t cross the line and get a win. We have to look at the things we didn’t do well and try to leave that out.”
After picking up where they left off against Celtic and putting themselves in a strong position in the match, Rangers fell back on the bad habits that have cost them so dearly in this league campaign. They are now thirteen points behind their rivals.
“All of us started turning the ball over too much,” Kelly reflected. ‘Under pressure we never held the ball enough.
‘After half an hour everyone could see there were some great moments in the game for us, but when you turn the ball over and give Hibs momentum you let them get the crowd going.
‘It’s sloppy, it’s lax from all of us. Last Thursday (the 3-0 win over Celtic) was great, it was the ultimate highlight, but that’s why we’re so far off at the moment, because we haven’t been strong enough defensively in those moments.
“It’s something we’re aware of, it’s something we want to get better at.”
Hamza Igamane’s first Rangers hat-trick took his total for the season to eleven. But although the Moroccan’s contribution against Hibs earned him the match ball, Kelly felt he should have received a win bonus for it.
“Part of the frustration is that we (didn’t) back that hat-trick for him,” he said. “Obviously he’s at the top of the field so it’s not so much down to him.
‘I’m so disappointed and so angry that we didn’t manage to win the game. That’s my dominant emotion.’
The match saw Clement’s injury crisis worsen as Dujon Sterling joined Leon Balogun, John Souttar, James Tavernier and Neraysho Kasanwirjo on the sidelines.
Kelly, Butland’s deputy, is convinced the unfamiliar line-up was no excuse for what unfolded in the capital, insisting: “That’s not a problem because you’re playing against the toughest attack in the league last Thursday and we have a clean slate. So I’m not going to sit here and say that the back five is the problem now.
“We’ve got some brilliant, experienced players there and it’s not just up to us to defend.
‘I’m not here to make excuses. This is a club game where no one cares who you play. You just have to win.’