Rangers travelled to Rapid Vienna last night for a season-defining fixture but they missed the opportunity to move into the knockout phase of the Europa League as they fell to a 1-0 defeat.
The hosts left it late to break Rangers hearts and Steven Gerrard’s men had no response to mount a late fightback. A 1-0 defeat consigned the Gers to an exit at the group stage and, while there are plenty of positives for them to draw from the campaign, the supporters couldn’t help but feel they missed an opportunity.
Rangers were well in the game throughout proceedings, but they were lacking the cutting edge to unlock Rapid Vienna’s defence and they paid the ultimate price.
But there were plenty of supporters who were keen to point out Ryan Kent’s absence as a notable reason for their failure to carve open the opposition, and they turned to Twitter to vent their frustration.
The Liverpool loanee has been impressive this season from wide positions, utilising his speed and direct style of dribbling to great effect.
In his absence Rangers were lacking an element of flair which could have made all the difference on the night, and the fans were left to rue his injury problem.
Kent may not have provided a single goal or an assist in his three appearances in Europe this season, but his presence could have made all the difference on matchday six.
Here’s what the Rangers fans had to say about Kent’s absence last night…
Definitely but we don't really have many other options just now and now Kent's out again it's even worse
— Revan (@Revan1872) December 13, 2018
Disappointed not to qualify from that Group, Rapid and Spartak were poor,
Ryan Jack had his best game for us tonight
Ryan Kent was the missing piece tonight for me
Need to go on a run now cheer us all up
— Adam Bulloch (@AdamBulloch116) December 13, 2018
I miss kent
— Brasko (@Brasko97) December 13, 2018
Tav was the best player on the park along with jack missed Kent yet again
— Bradley (@Bradley198765) December 13, 2018
Worst of it is Vienna were shite. We should be beating them. Look at our midfield the night and you can see just how far off we are. Unless Kent plays we create absolutely nothing and just rely on Morelos and arfield pulling something out the bag.
— Andy (@andyh1872) December 13, 2018
Could have done with Candieas & Kent tonight. Just lacked cutting edge up top. Thought we dominated the game
— Porchie (@JohnPorteous1) December 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/Karlarl184/status/1073303435896938498
ryan kent needs to get fit again asap, not the same side without him
— Andrew (@AJB94_) December 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/KGilch97/status/1073288264331739136
https://twitter.com/talkingbaws/status/1073283375220301824
Big game tonight. Candeias & Kent huge misses. Big game for Arfield and especially McCrorie. Let’s do this.
— BMC Rangers Rants (@BMCRangersRants) December 13, 2018
