Russell Martin’s first game in charge of Rangers ended with a 2-0 win over Panathinaikos in their Champions League second qualifying round first leg. What did we learn? Here are five talking points…

The playing style is clear to see

As has been clear at Martin’s previous managerial spells at MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton, he wants his team to dominate the ball. He demands it. For better or worse, Rangers played out from the back, moved the ball quickly, and wanted to retain possession in all parts of the pitch.

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We can’t ignore that the visitors had a player sent off in the 58th minute, but Rangers had 75 per cent of the possession in the game. They only reached that mark four times last season in over 50 games in all competitions. In their 12 Europa League games last year, they averaged 41 per cent.

Similarly, their 708 passes attempted and 655 passes completed (92 per cent) were higher than any game last season and well above their season average of around 435 attempted and 360 passes completed. The ball-possession strategy was evident.

Rangers lined up in a familiar 4-3-3, but the movement of the full-backs in particular was a big talking point. James Tavernier and Max Aarons were often seen drifting inside the two centre-backs to pick up the ball. Aarons even took up space as a deep-lying central midfielder.

Rangers were caught in possession on a number of occasions, but that won’t stop Martin from sticking with it.

A solid start for the defenc

Rangers had just two clean sheets in their final 17 games of last season, and their woeful record could have continued if it wasn’t for some super saves by Jack Butland.