Rangers Archives - Page 5 of 7

Celtic Clinch Epic League Cup Final with Nail-Biting Penalty Drama Against Rangers

Celtic triumphed in a pulsating Scottish League Cup final, edging Rangers on penalties after a breathless 3-3 draw that encapsulated everything fans love—and loathe—about Old Firm derbies. The defining moment came in the shootout when Kasper Schmeichel saved Ridvan Yilmaz’s effort. While Jack Butland briefly kept Rangers’ hopes alive by converting his penalty, Daizen Maeda delivered the decisive blow to secure the trophy for Celtic. This win not only extends manager Brendan Rodgers’ unbeaten record at Hampden but also propels Celtic past Rangers in the all-time silverware count—a feat last achieved in the 1930s. But statistics alone don’t capture the drama of this unforgettable final. Rangers Strike First Rangers brought the intensity of their midweek clash with Tottenham into this match, and it showed. They pressed Celtic relentlessly, forcing Greg Taylor into a costly error late in the first half. Nedim Bajrami capitalised on the mistake, collecting a loose ball and setting up Hamza Igamane. Schmeichel could only parry Igamane’s shot, leaving Bajrami to tap in from close range. At that point, Rangers seemed to have cracked Celtic’s composure, carrying a deserved lead into half-time. A Chaotic Second Half Celtic, as they so often do, found a way back. Greg Taylor redeemed himself early in the second half when his deflected strike levelled the score. Minutes later, Daizen Maeda punished Nicolas Raskin’s careless header, firing Celtic ahead. The pendulum swung yet again when Mohamed Diomande turned sharply to equalise for Rangers, igniting a frantic back-and-forth battle. Nicolas Kuhn appeared to have sealed the win for Celtic with a late strike, only for Danilo to rise to the occasion moments later, heading in a superb Vaclav Cerny cross to force extra time. Extra Time and Penalties With Rangers fatigued from their European exploits, Celtic dominated extra time but failed to break through a resilient Ibrox defence. A contentious penalty shout—when Liam Scales tugged Vaclav Cerny—was waved away, leaving the outcome to penalties. Celtic held their nerve in the shootout, with Schmeichel the hero and Yilmaz the unfortunate villain. Celtic’s Winning Mentality Despite being far from their best, Celtic showcased the grit and resilience that defines champions. Brendan Rodgers hailed his team’s determination, stating, “We deserved to win the trophy, but you have to go and earn it.” Rangers’ Heartbreak For Philippe Clement and his side, the result was a bitter pill. “Football can be cruel, and this was a cruel one,” Clement admitted. “My team deserved more today.” Rangers fans can take heart from their team’s performance, which displayed tactical nous and mental strength. However, falling short will sting, especially given the growing gap at the top of the Premiership table. Final Thoughts This was a final for the ages, a spectacle of grit, drama, and no shortage of controversy. Celtic march on, their trophy cabinet a little heavier, while Rangers are left to rue missed opportunities and wonder what might have been. For fans of both sides, the match will be remembered not just for its result but for the sheer chaos and excitement that defines this iconic rivalry.

December 15, 2024

Celtic v Rangers – The League Cup Final’s KEY Areas

With the biggest sporting fixture in UK sports mere hours away, we look at the key battles across the park in today’s League Cup Final. The Maeda Problem In what is arguably Phillipe Clement’s biggest headache ahead of today’s fixture is who he starts at right back. Daizen Maeda has tortured Rangers captain James Tavernier in past fixtures constantly. The Japanese star is constantly looked to in this fixture, with Tavernier seemingly unable to cope with Maeda’s electrifying pace. Tavernier had been dropped by Clement in weeks prior, Sterling had been given the nod, and it had seemed that the Rangers legend was maybe on his way out of the club. An injury to Sterling has changed all that however, Tavernier has come back into the side, and his form has skyrocketed. The captain has been chipping in with goals and assists and was excellent in the Europa League on Thursday night against Tottenham. I argue this is largely irrelevant. Tavernier has been in good form going into an Old Firm before, but the result always ends the same. He has consistently not fared well against Maeda. It is not just on the ball but off it, too. Tavernier likes time and likes to see a pass, Maeda gives him none of that. He is key to the Celtic press, and he does not give Tavernier a moment to be effective. It was Maeda who nicked the ball off Tavernier at Ibrox to help fire Celtic into an early lead. In my opinion, this is Clements’s biggest selection choice today. I believe he should be bold and start Sterling. Celtic will likely have most of the ball. Rangers need a solid shape out of possession, and Sterling should give them that. He is less attacking than Tavernier, who lets the attack worry about creating chances. However, when push comes to shove, I predict that Clement will stick with and put his faith in his captain. Prediction – Tavernier starts. Battle for the midfield Rangers are coming into this game largely as the underdogs, but if they can nullify the influence of Callum McGregor in the middle of the park, they give themselves every chance. Everything Celtic do comes through their captain. He picks the ball up in midfield, controls the tempo, and keeps the game ticking over with little five-yard passes that just moves the opposition around. Players have tried to press him in the past, but he knocks it around them and splits the lines into the midfield, with Hatate always looking to be an option. In past Old Firm games, Rangers have been unable to deal with the experienced midfielders’ influence in this fixture. Nicolas Raskin has been outstanding in recent games, and his performance on Thursday was the exact type Rangers will need if they’re to stop McGregor from inserting his influence. Raskin has had serious questions asked about his fitness for the majority of his time at the club. His ability has never been doubted, but his fitness issues have been a concern to supporters. On Thursday, he showed what Rangers fans expected of the Belgian, his intensity and work rate got the better of Premier League operators James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur. I would expect Rangers to set up similar to how they did against Spurs, with the same midfield two of Raskin and Diomande. This game is far too soon for Connor Barron; he is yet to show me anything he is worthy of a Rangers jersey personally. But I expect McGregor to lean on his experience and know-how in this fixture. I expect a frantic opening few minutes, and then McGregor will slowly drop five yards, start picking up the ball off the centre-backs and just slowly start dictating the play. For me, it is key that Rangers only let him play it side to side or backwards, they cannot allow Hatate or company time and space to turn and face the Rangers goal. If they can cut off McGregor’s passing lanes, they have a chance. Rejuvenated Rangers attack or CCV & Trusty excellence Hamza Igamane has been a revolution in the Rangers attack in recent weeks. His goals and work rate have been key in the Rangers uptick in form, now in pole position to overcome Aberdeen in second place. Alongside him, Vaclav Cerny put in a superb performance against Spurs on Thursday as he has started to replicate some of the form that was expected of him when he joined in the summer. Rangers have been a lot more free-flowing in recent weeks, with Clement seemingly finally finding a system that has unlocked the attacking talent at Ranger’s disposal. Dessers days seem to be numbered; he has only been making substitute appearances in recent weeks, with Clement opting for Danilo or Igamane through the middle. It would be harsh on Danilo to be dropped after his performances in recent weeks, but after the effective work of Jefte and Yilmaz on Thursday, it is now out of the question that Igamane starts today through the middle. In Celtic’s defence, however, they come up against Cameron Carter-Vickers and presumably Auston Trusty. The centre-back pairing has been key in Celtic’s defensive dominance this season, with Carter-Vickers by far and away the best centre-back in the league. Alistair Johnston is the one with a question mark hanging over his head. Taken off on Tuesday at half-time, it remains to be seen whether he is fit enough to start today. Arguably the best fullback in the league, he is one of the first names on the team sheet for Celtic. If he isn’t, Anthony Ralston is the natural replacement, and Rangers will have to hope their wingers can get more joy out of him and Greg Taylor than CCV or Trusty. Borussia Dortmund are effectively the only team to get the better of this defence, knocking seven past Celtic in Germany. Rangers will need to be at their very best if they hope to trouble

December 14, 2024

History on the line for Celtic and Rangers in Sunday’s League Cup final

Venue: Hampden Park Date: 15/12/24 Time: 15:30 Where to watch: The game is live on Premier Sports On Sunday, it is not merely a League Cup at stake but history as both sides sit neck and neck on a monumental 118 trophies. Celtic come in favourites as the country’s dominant force and their UCL results are indicative of a side that has taken its game to another level under Brendan Rodgers. However last year’s winners Rangers look to have turned a corner in recent weeks following a poor start to the campaign, undefeated since October and notching some impressive results of their own in the Europa League. How did we get here Celtic swotted all before them as they put Hibernian, Falkirk and Aberdeen to the sword, scoring fourteen goals en route to the final. Current cup holders Rangers meanwhile comfortably dispatched St Johnstone and Dundee but were given a scare in the semifinal at Hampden when Motherwell led at the break. Ultimately Cyriel Dessers and Nedim Bajrami’s goals were the difference, saving Philippe Clement from an embarrassing exit. Domestic steamrollers Celtic There is no question who the favourites are on this occasion. Celtic sit nine points clear at the top of the table, undefeated with the season yet to reach the halfway stage. A goal difference of 40+ is an astounding figure as the side continue to rotate with no noticeable impact on performance. Nicolas Kuhn looks a cut above in the league and his performance against RB Leipzig will have drawn eyes from across the continent. The German tops the Premiership’s assist charts and his 3.12 chances created per 90 bettered only by Paulo Bernardo’s 3.13. Yet behind every machine like performance is the mechanic who keeps everything ticking, and in Callum McGregor, Celtic have a player whose ability to recycle possession is just as dangerous as his eye for goal. With six league goals, the captain not only sits joint top of the charts but has put away a third of the shots he has taken so far. Victory on Sunday would bring a 23rd domestic trophy to place him just two off Celtic’s record holder Bobby Lennox. Igamane the face of revived Rangers This time last month, Hamza Igamane was afterthought in heated discussions concerning how Rangers could turn their dismal season around. Losses to Celtic, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen had made winning the title nigh on impossible after only ten games as Igamane had managed a solitary goal against FCSB. Four weeks on, the Moroccan looks set to play a starring role in helping his side retain the League Cup for the first time since 2011. With the oft-maligned Dessers guilty of missing too many clear-cut chances, Igamane had the opportunity to make the striker’s berth his own and it’s fair to say he has grabbed it with both hands. A double against Nice kickstarted a run of five goals in as many appearances, including a terrific finish in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham. Perhaps more impressive than the finish, was the cross that led to it. James Tavernier’s whipped ball a timely reminder of the talent Britain’s highest ever goalscoring defender possesses. It has not been plain sailing for the club’s captain this season, having been a lightning rod for the ire of fans furious with a season that has left them below Aberdeen in the table. Dropped to the bench, Tavernier would have been forgiven for thinking this was the start of an ignominious end to a career that has seen the right-back amass 329 appearances, dating right back to their time in the Championship. Five trophies in ten years pales in comparison to McGregor but there is a strong case to be made that there could have been even fewer without his contributions over the years. Europe beginning to show wear and tear? Celtic have without a doubt exceeded expectations in Europe, suffering a solitary, albeit emphatic defeat to Borussia Dortmund. The extent of this raised bar crystallised in the disappointment from fans to have only earned a point away to Dinamo Zagreb. Come Sunday, Brendan Rodgers’ men will have almost averaged a game every three days. Much has been made of the squad depth the squad have, with Arne Engels, Liam Scales, Luke McCowan and Luis Palma just some of the options from the bench who would star in every other Premiership side. However the flatness of the draw in Croatia suggests a fatigue that may be just as much mental as it is physical. Most footballers not immune to the grinding machine of modern football and this League Cup final could prove one game too many in such a short space of time. Meanwhile, for all of their European success that has propelled them into the automatic places of the Europa League table, Rangers do not posses that same quality from the bench. Too many rotations are unlikely but fortunately Rangers have yet to show that midweek games produce a weakened weekend performance. So far Clement’s players have won each of the five games domestic games that have followed European fixtures. Although as the Belgian manager will be acutely aware, a cup final against Celtic is an entirely different different beast to tame. History favours Hoops Rangers may be some distance ahead when it comes to the League Cup with twenty-eight wins to Celtic’s twenty-one but the side from the East End have captured seven of the past ten. What is perhaps more prescient to this tie is Rodgers’ own record versus Rangers. In nineteen games the Northern Irishman has lost just one Glasgow derby, winning an impressive fifteen. Celtic were winners in

December 14, 2024

Igamane Volley and Forster Heroics Steal the Show at Ibrox

Venue: Ibrox Date: 12/12/24 Time: 20:00 GMT A terrific Rangers side can feel unfortunate to not defeat Spurs at Ibrox after a 1-1 draw in the Battle of Britain. The two goalscorers of the match were Hamza Igamane and Dejan Kulusevski. Igamane’s effort an excellent volley from a Tavernier cross, with Kulusevski’s finish a low strike into the bottom corner of the net. The draw puts Rangers up to eighth, with Spurs level on points in ninth. Ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou returned to Ibrox after leaving Glasgow a year and a half ago. Now under fire from his own supporters following a run of inconsistent performances. The visitors sit 11th in the Premier League table after their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea. In Europe, they have done relatively well, taking 10 points from their five European games, and sat outside the automatic playoff places. Rangers sat just above them in Europe although are eleven points behind their city rivals Celtic domestically. Their boss Philippe Clement had not only eased fan discontent with a hat-trick of wins and clean sheets in the league, but also shown a certain European clout in their last continental outing, a fantastic away win to Nice where Igamane scored two in a 4-1 rout. Spurs came into the tie battling injury crisis in defense, with Archie Gray coming into the center with their two first-choice central defenders injured. Rodrigo Bentancur comes fresh in to the midfield as he is serving a seven-game domestic ban for alleged offensive comments about his teammate, Heung-Min Son. For the Glasgow side, they began up top with Igamane, on a high after scoring in two consecutive games. On the left, Rangers opted to play two defenders, Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz. The latter replaced Danilo in the side as Robin Propper came in to the center of defence for Leon Balogun. First half: Both sides made a lively start to the proceedings. Heung-Min Son battled past Propper, with Udogie getting onto the loose ball, before delivering a pass out to the left for Werner. Seeing his shot off target, he tried a curling effort but lacked conviction. Rangers then made a swift counter-attack. Tavernier tackled a dawdling Werner, who fired it into Vaclav Cerny’s path in the midfield. Cerny ran to the edge of the box before laying off the ball to an overlapping Bajrami. He shot but Fraser Forster made a fantastic tip over the bar. It would have been going in if not for the ex-Hoops goalie. The Rangers fans certainly made their thoughts clear towards the keeper, booing him at every opportunity. The next two chances fell to Spurs: a tame toe-poke into Butland’s hands from Son and a deflected shot over the bar from Maddison, who was played in on the center of goal after Raskin was caught in possession by Yves Bissouma. As the home support continued to roar their team on, Jefte complied, showing some tricky feet to get past Pedro Porro, who should have stood his ground better. It was a good block from Radu Dragusin to see it off-target. No doubt the Brazilian certainly got his steps in. He was in his own box, intercepting the ball to stop Brennan Johnson from getting a shot on goal following a promising Lilywhites attack. Following the excellent piece of defending, Jefte played the cross of the night. Whipping a pacy ball across the face of goal, just begging for one of his teammates to tap it home. Next, it was Spurs on the attack, Jack Butland making a terrific point-blank save from Son’s first-time shot. It was offside but Butland knew nothing about it. Terrific goalkeeping. Just before half-time, Rangers continued to pile on the pressure, with a Cerny near-post shot saved by the ‘Holy Goalie’s’ feet, and cleared by Porro. Diomande quickly after had a deflected shot. Clement would have been the much happier of the two managers going into half-time, except for seeing defender John Souttar come off with an injury ten minutes from time. Second half: What a start! A minute after kick-off, Tavernier lofted a fantastic cross into the box, which saw Igamane fire a first-time side-footed volley down to Forster’s left-hand side—brilliant technique on display. The home side continued to put pressure on the wounded visitors. Moments after a Cerny long shot, the winger was unleashed on a brilliant run, weaving into the Spurs box only to be halted by Dragusin. Spurs finally responded with their first attack of the half. The substitute, Kulusevski, after coming on for a dismal Werner in the first half, delivered a ball from the right to Brennan Johnson who watched his effort curl wide. The light blues react well through a confident Igamane. He saw a shot blocked and almost got a second from a Bajrami mishit which, fortunately, Forster grabbed hold of before the danger. Another longshot, this time from Diomande was deflected off Dragusin. No doubt meeting his quota for blocks tonight. Spurs were holding on and were afforded that patience by a colossal error by Jefte. After having an excellent first half, the left-back headed the ball back to Butland, who came out to collect. The keeper reacted sharply to stop it rolling past him into an open net. Ange had seen enough and decided to make a trio of substitutions and it was one of these substitutes, Lucas Bergvall, who almost scored with his first touch, a bouncing volley just wide from the second phase of a corner. Maddison would have been licking his lips after getting a free-kick in a dangerous area outside the box but it was another opportunity wasted as he played a one-two with Kulusevski for a better angle with the ball travelling well over the bar. Spurs continued to push on, a cross from the left saw the right-back Porro play a first-time shot to the near post. Butland did well to parry it away with his feet. That pressure was rewarded

December 12, 2024

Rangers vs Tottenham: What to expect?

Venue: Ibrox Date: 12/12/24 Time: 20:00 GMT It is their biggest game in Europe this season but an in-form Rangers will feel the stars have aligned to get a result as they welcome a downcast Tottenham to Ibrox. Both sides look to be on converse trajectories with the hosts now undefeated in eight games. Philippe Clement seems to have navigated his side through a turbulent period which saw them fall to Kilmarnock and Aberdeen, results which are likely to have put the title out of reach. Meanwhile Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham plunged to its lowest depth so far, watching his side snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against Chelsea at the weekend, having confronted a fan for abusing him just a week prior. With both teams sat in eighth and ninth, Rangers ahead by a mere two goals, a result would put either side in pole position for an automatic place. More importantly for the respective managers however, progression to the knockout stages would relieve some of the intense scrutiny surrounding their jobs. European pedigree For all of their domestic woes, winning a solitary Premiership title in thirteen years, Rangers have always found a way to exceed expectations in Europe’s secondary competition. A run to the 2021/22 final was as big a surprise as the scalps they took along the way with Borussia Dortmund, Braga and RB Leipzig all falling before an agonising Aaron Ramsey penalty proved the difference that saw Eintracht Frankfurt snatch the crown. The less said about the Champions League campaign that followed the better. However last season saw Rangers return to the competition that is becoming their bread and butter to complete a double over Real Betis and topping their group before a narrow defeat to Benfica saw them eliminated in the Round of sixteen. There is a noticeable difference in the freedom with which they play away from the burning eyes of Scottish football fans. Whatever the reason, they have managed some impressive victories again this season with Malmo, FCSB and Nice comfortable dispatched with a creditable draw against Conference League champions Olympiakos to boot. Having seemingly put their 4-1 Lyon hiding behind them, Rangers will need all of their experience in the competition to gain an important result, with Manchester United and Union Saint-Gilloise as positions ‘fourth’ through ‘thirteenth’ remain separated by a mere three points. Will the real Tottenham please stand up? The nickname ‘Spursy’ to describe the way the club seem to fall apart under little pressure is arguably a disrespectful one to give a club that continues to find itself in the upper echelons of the Premier League. Yet, it has stuck for a reason. As the jabs and taunts go, Tottenham will produce a masterclass against league leaders only to follow it up with dropped points to eternal strugglers. Having tormented Manchester City in a hugely impressive 4-0 win away from home, the North London side mustered joint one point from nine as they sit just off mid-table. Losses to Ipswich, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have continue to stunt their season with the manager’s dogmatic approach to attacking football held responsible for the side’s inconsistency. The third highest scoring team in the league this season, Tottenham’s inability to apply to handbrake has been just as much a problem in England as it has been in Europe. Opposition had hardly been world beating when they opened their group stage campaign with wins against Qarabag, Ferencvaros and Troy Parrott’s AZ Alkmaar, but a defeat to Galatasaray and draw with Roma has put a dent in their hopes for automatic qualification. With the continued absence of Guglielmo Vicario, their defence looks even more precarious. Add in defender Cristian Romero criticising the lack of spending in the summer in a now deleted interview with Telemundo Deportes to add fuel to the fire. For all the optimism the disharmony might bring to fans north of the border, Tottenham have a squad packed with some of Europe’s best in Son Heung-min, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. As both Manchester clubs will know by now, these players can inflict a world of damage on their day.

December 12, 2024

Rangers down Staggies as battle for 2nd intensifies

Rangers cut the gap in the battle for 2nd as they ran out 3-0 winners in Dingwall on Sunday. Hamza Igamane got the Gers off to a perfect start with a stunning strike just a few minutes in before a Jack Hamilton mistake then gifted Danilo a second right before the break with James Tavernier rounding off a routine win against Ross County. An entertaining start saw both sides take speculative efforts at goal, but it was Igamane whose shot would find the back of the net. Already finding joy down the County right-hand channel, Jefte laid it off to Igamane, his strike took the tiniest of flicks off Akil Wright as the ball sailed past Hamilton to give Rangers an early lead. Rangers struggled to break through a crowded midfield as the first half went on as County started to find their rhythm. Butland’s mistake almost gave Hale a golden chance to equalise and Noah Chilvers had a great chance from distance but was denied by a huge save by a fully outstretched Butland. Rangers made those missed opportunities prove costly. Hamilton had just produced a magnificent piece of goalkeeping but quickly became the villain. His heavy touch in the area allowed Danilo to close him down, Hamilton’s attempted clearance struck Danilo, who quickly pounced on the loose ball and slid it into the net to give Rangers a two-goal cushion. Ross County had two huge chances in the second half to haul themselves back into the game, both coming via the head of Akil Wright. A dangerous ball into the area saw Wright rise highest; his flick evaded everyone but Campbell couldn’t meet it at the far post to steer it goal-wards. Seconds later, James Brown whipped in another dangerous ball. Wright met it again, but his header was straight at Butland, who knew little about it but kept it out. Rangers had multiple opportunities to increase their lead, but County did well to keep them out. There was a sense that the players thought the game was done as the second half wore on, the intensity dropping significantly. Don Cowie had thrown on a host of forward options to try and get his side back into the game, but they were unable to deliver any meaningful service to their big target men. Clement began using the second half to get minutes into some player’s legs. With a big week of football ahead, Rangers were in no mood to take any chances over players’ fitness which saw Clement use all five subs available to him. James Tavernier then put an exclamation mark on the win. After being dropped, his form has seen a dramatic increase and he was excellent again today. A loose ball comes across the edge of the County box; it sat up beautifully for the fullback, who cut across the ball and struck it hard into the corner, Hamilton could do little but watch the ball fly past him. The win sees Rangers close the gap to just two points behind Aberdeen now as the battle for 2nd place heats up. Rangers have a game in hand over their rivals, which means all eyes are on January 15th when Aberdeen travel to Ibrox on a Wednesday night fixture under the bright lights. As for Ross County, they travel to the capital next weekend to take on Hibs and they will need a big performance, which is something they have yet to find on the road this season, as that now becomes a huge clash at the foot of the table. Ross County: Hamilton; Wright, Allardice (Grieves 83′), Campbell, Efete (Brown 46′), Randall, Nisbet, Harmon (Reid 79′), Chilvers (White 46′), Samuel, Hale (Brophy 66′) Rangers: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte, Barron (Diomande 80′), Raskin, Igamane (Dessers 80′), Hagi (Dowell 85′), Cerny (Bajrami 70′), Danilo (Sterling 70′) Booked: Ross County – Efete Referee: Kevin Clancy. VAR: Andrew Dallas

December 8, 2024

Ross County v Rangers Matchday Preview

Ross County is looking to bounce back after their 5-0 defeat last weekend against Philippe Clement’s ever-improving Rangers side. Ross County The home side showed their vulnerable away form once again last week as Celtic brutally dispatched them. A superb first forty-five minutes from the Glasgow side had them five up before the halftime whistle had blown. It was always a tough ask to take anything from Celtic Park, but the manner of performance once again showed the Staggie’s poor away form this season. Don Cowie has constantly highlighted his side’s need to take their home form on the road if they wish to avoid yet another relegation play-off come the end of the season. County’s home form this season has been a standout, with only Celtic and Aberdeen taking all three points here this term. Last time in Dingwall, County toppled Motherwell in a tight 2-1 clash where Josh Nisbet stole the show with a stunning top-corner strike. Those three points look to be even more valuable, going into a tough run against both Glasgow sides back to back, the Staggies gave themselves a buffer ahead of the chasing pack below them. Rangers After weeks of uncertainty surrounding manager Philippe Clement, Rangers have slowly been improving, and even more positive news for Clement is their attack seems to finally be clicking. After a disappointing draw to Dundee Utd, many thought Nice in the Europa League was to be Clement’s swansong. The Gers however, put on their performance of the season, battering the French side 4-1. Following that up with a win against St. Johnstone before putting six past a usually dogged Kilmarnock side. Today marks the start of a difficult week of fixtures for Rangers, they’ll face former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou in the Europa League before the League Cup Final next weekend, where they face Celtic for the second time this season. Clement will be hoping they can lay down a marker at one of the toughest away trips in the country as they hope to build momentum heading into a pivotal week for the Gers. Team News Don Cowie’s biggest worry for today will be that number one Ross Laidlaw is out of action until the New Year. The Staggies keeper came off injured just before half-time last weekend at Celtic Park, with Jack Hamilton likely to replace Laidlaw in the meantime. Will Nightingale is still out injured, and Kacper Lopata has a back issue, keeping him out of today’s side. For the Gers, Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo are back in training, but it remains if either are fit enough to feature today. Dujong Sterling has been an absentee in the Rangers’ last couple of games with a blocked nerve. However, he is available for selection, Clement has confirmed. Previous meetings Rangers delivered a dominant performance against Ross County earlier this season at Ibrox, netting six goals in a one-sided encounter that left Staggies fans with little to cheer about. County’s away form has been abysmal this season, however, and they faired well when Celtic came to Dingwall, narrowingly losing 2-1 in a tight contest. Last time Rangers made the trip to Dingwall, the Staggies were able to hold them to a 1-1 draw and Cowie will be hoping for a similar performance today. Predicted line-ups: Ross County: Hamilton (GK); Leak, Campbell, Wright; Harmon, Randall, Nisbet, Brown, Chilvers; White, Hale Rangers: Butland (GK); Jefte, Balogun, Souttar, Tavernier; Raskin, Diamonde, Igamane, Hagi, Cerny; Dessers

December 8, 2024

Captain Marvel: Tavernier Leads Rampant Rangers to Six-Goal Thrashing of Kilmarnock

Captain James Tavernier opened his Scottish Premiership account for the season as Rangers delivered a commanding performance, equalling their biggest win of the campaign with a crushing victory over a subdued Kilmarnock at Ibrox. Tavernier timed his run perfectly to meet Ianis Hagi’s inviting cross at the back post, steering the hosts into a well-earned first-half lead. Rangers shifted into another gear after the break, with Danilo pouncing on another pinpoint Hagi delivery to double the advantage before Hamza Igamane hammered in a decisive third. The onslaught continued as Vaclav Cerny rifled home a low, driven effort for Rangers’ fourth. Cyriel Dessers then took centre stage with a clinical brace, expertly finishing two crosses, the first confirmed after a VAR check. For Derek McInnes’ side, the defeat marks a deepening slump—10th in the table and now winless in five, with four losses in that stretch. Rangers manager Philippe Clement: “We could have scored already more goals in the first half, but there were good connections on the field because these players are training more and more together. “We want to give our fans good games, good show but the most important stays the three points. So we’re going to work hard for that.” Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: “Disappointed we’ve lost the [first] goal because we allowed the cross to come in from the throw-in, it’s something that’s been quite a common theme for us. A lot of the goals we lose are in a similar area. “Their movement was spooking us a wee bit and we just tried to simplify it by going 4-4-2 against 4-4-2 but it became clear that we couldn’t cope with that.” Attendance: 44,188

December 4, 2024

Rangers pick up a much needed 3 points in McDiarmid Park victory

Philippe Clement’s side came out on top in a narrow victory over St Johnstone Rangers headed into the game looking to build on their resounding win in the South of France on Thursday, with St Johnstone hoping to record back-to-back league victories at McDiarmid Park. Two changes for Rangers today following their 4-1 victory over Nice, with skipper James Tavernier replacing the injured Dujon Sterling and Ianis Hagi coming in for his first start for the club since May 2023, in place of Mohamed Diomande. Simo Valakari named the same XI that defeated Kilmarnock 1-0 last weekend. It was St Johnstone who started the brighter of the 2 sides in the opening exchanges. A great run by Sanders down the right-hand side nearly led to a chance for St Johnstone but the ball was cleared away from danger by Rangers. Rangers then began to get a foothold of possession and looked threatening whenever they got the ball forward. Cerny came close with an attempt from the edge of the box but the ball fizzed past the side netting. Rangers continued to probe and Bajrami had the best chance of the half, as the ball fell to him inside the 6 yard box but couldn’t sort his feet out quick enough. St Johnstone struggled to get any sort of possession in the first half but looked dangerous whenever they were able to get at Clements side. A failed offside trap by the Rangers defence allowed Kirk to race through on goal but Butland was able to save his attempt with relative ease. Half Time – St Johnstone 0-0 Rangers Philippe Clements half time team talk looked to have taken an effect on his men as Rangers started the second half promisingly. A couple of early efforts on goal were thwarted by the Saints keeper, including a good save to deny Tavernier from a free kick. Rangers finally found the breakthrough in the 63rd minute. A looping cross inside the box by Yilmaz was bundled home by Jason Holt just a few yards from his own goal, with Tavernier applying the pressure just behind him. Rangers continued to dominate and almost added a second through Danilo but Josh Rae was there again to keep the score at 0-1. There was only one team who looked like scoring the second, with St Johnstone unable to get out of their own half. Danilo missed a golden opportunity to wrap the game up late in the tie but fired the ball straight at the Saints keeper. Rangers stifled any potential St Johnstone threat in the dying embers of the game and held on for a comfortable victory. It was a much-needed win domestically for Phillipe Clement in a pressure easing week for the Rangers boss. It was only their second away win in the league this season. For St Johnstone, it wasn’t the result they were hoping for but there were some positives to take from the game for Valakari and he will be hoping his side can build on this performance against Aberdeen next weekend. St Johnstone – Rae (GK), Wright, Sanders, Mikulic, Raymond, Carey (Essel 46’), Sprangler (Sidibeh 66’ Mcpake 81’), Holt (Kucheriavyi 81’), Clark (C) (Neilson 58), Kirk, Kimpioka Rangers – Butland (GK), Tavernier (C), Souttar, Propper (Balogun 46’), Jefte (Danilo 58’), Barron, Raskin, Cerny (Dowell 86’), Bajrami (Yilmaz 46’), Hagi, Igamane (Diomande 76’) Attendance 7,446

December 1, 2024

Former Red Devils CEO Set to Join Gers this Festive Season

Only a few months ago, Interim Chairman John Gilligan promised a new CEO before Christmas. On Monday, fans woke up to an early Christmas present as Patrick Stewart was announced as the new Chief Executive starting December 16th. He replaces James Bisgrove, who left this past summer for a role in the Saudi League. The club released a statement describing Stewart as “an excellent fit for his new role at Rangers.” Rangers Interim Chairman, John Gilligan stated: “On behalf of the Board, I’m delighted to welcome Patrick to the club as CEO. Patrick comes with an excellent reputation and background, bringing extensive experience of operating at senior levels during his 20-plus years in Football”. The Aberdeen native served in various positions at Manchester United during his 18-year tenure. He joined in 2006 from UEFA. He became the Club’s first general and head of the in-house legal department. This had him leading commercial and operational duties like licensing, merchandising, digital media sourcing, and commercial rights. He was also co-leader on the creation of the women’s team. In 2019, he became a board member. He quickly worked his way up through several roles like the executive director and deputy CEO before getting the top job of Chief Executive Officer in 2023. But in 2023 he became one of the casualties of new Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe’s clear-out as he was axed from his position. His time there can only really be described as up and down. He oversaw Five Premier League titles, a Champions League title, a Europa League title, and a host of other domestic trophies. Despite a promising start to his career at United, it was around the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure and following that they haven’t been as successful. For this reason, he is associated with a largely negative and poor period for United. Especially while he served as Chief Executive at the club. His time as Chief executive is also remembered as a time when fans were blaming the decisions of the board and higher-ups on the lack of good results on the park. While there he also held various roles within the Football Association, Premier League and European Club Association. Due to his role as a lawyer at United, he also worked closely with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in dealings with International Sport. So, what does this all mean for Gers fans and what has the reaction been? For a long time, Gers fans solely blamed results and performances on the board and believed Philipe Clement was the man to rebuild Rangers if appropriately backed. However, the Club now find themselves 11 points behind Celtic and nine points behind Aberdeen in the league. This has led to a sourer opinion of the Manager with most believing now he is not the man to take Rangers forward. Most fans of the club are united in that the club needs a rebuild from top to bottom. Maybe Stewart is the first puzzle piece in a larger jigsaw. With things not looking so positive performance-wise and the fans not having much to celebrate it can’t be forgotten how the fans feel about the lack of leadership at the club. And while in recent times they haven’t had much success with their CEO’s this has to be looked at as a bigger picture appointment. As for the reaction from Gers fans, it’s fair to say it has been downplayed. With all football fans, when things are not going well on the pitch it’s easy to not get as excited or positive about appointments like this. And particularly with Gers fans, they feel the club needs serious investment if they are to catch up to their city rivals, Celtic. Right now, that seems to be the only announcement that would excite the fanbase. Only time will tell but Stewart certainly has his work cut out if he is to stabilise things at the club. With regards to the ongoings on the pitch and negativity amongst the fan base, Rangers Football Club still has many things to be optimistic about. In just under three weeks, they face off against their Glasgow rivals Celtic in the Scottish League Cup Final in a bid for the first cup of the season. Despite not being the favourite for this encounter, it is a derby and a cup final, so anything can happen. They are also still in a promising position in the Europa League standings. They sit in a Knockout playoff position just outside the Auto-Qualification. But with away ties against Nice and Tottenham before Christmas it looks to be a tough ask for the Gers.

November 27, 2024

Rangers

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