Title: Rangers’ Title Hopes Fade as Ross County Shocks Glasgow Giants
Rangers’ title hopes suffered a major blow as Ross County secured their first-ever victory over the Glasgow giants. The defeat leaves Rangers four points adrift of reigning champions Celtic, who now hold a significant advantage in the Scottish Premiership race. The outcome of this historic afternoon in Dingwall has shifted the balance of power in favor of Celtic, leaving Rangers with an uphill battle to secure their 56th Scottish title.
A Fragile Run Concealing Vulnerabilities:
Rangers had enjoyed an impressive 11-game winning streak under manager Philippe Clement, but signs of fragility were present. Their last domestic slip-up against Motherwell was followed by Heart of Midlothian’s victory over Celtic, highlighting the potential weaknesses in Rangers’ game.
Disappointing Defensive Performance:
The statistics from the match against Ross County revealed a subpar defensive display from Rangers, with the hosts registering an expected goals value (xG) of 2.96. This is the highest xG conceded by Rangers in a single game since Opta began collecting Premiership data. In contrast, Celtic’s xG in their recent encounter with Rangers was 1.96, while Aberdeen recorded 1.62 xG in their win at Ibrox earlier in the season.
A Strange Week and Lackluster Performance:
Clement attributed the defeat to a “strange week” of disrupted preparation, but refused to use it as an excuse. He expressed disappointment with his team’s performance, stating that they failed to meet expectations both with and without the ball. Rangers’ inability to score from open play and their reliance on an own goal and a late penalty highlight the lackluster offensive performance that contributed to their loss.
Uncertainty and Pressure Mounting:
Rangers now face uncertainty over where their next game against Dundee will be played, adding further complications to their already challenging situation. With only two wins in their last seven outings, Rangers find themselves under pressure as Celtic’s form improves. The Hoops have gone five games without defeat and have welcomed key players back from injury, making their bid for another title even stronger.
A Wake-Up Call for Rangers:
Former Scotland striker John Robertson emphasized the magnitude of Ross County’s victory, stating that Rangers did not deserve anything from the game due to a lack of desire. He believes the defeat is a “massive day” for both ends of the table, with relegation-threatened Ross County grabbing a crucial win and Rangers now having to win at Celtic Park to keep their title hopes alive. Robertson doubts Rangers’ ability to win their remaining six matches based on their lackluster performance against Ross County.
Conclusion:
Ross County’s historic victory over Rangers has turned the tide in favor of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race. The defeat exposes vulnerabilities in Rangers’ defense and raises questions about their ability to secure the championship. As pressure mounts, Rangers must regroup and produce a strong finish to have any chance of lifting the trophy. However, with recent performances and Celtic’s resurgence, the task ahead seems daunting for Clement’s side.