Rangers defeated Aberdeen 2-0 at Pittodrie yesterday, thanks to goals from Thelo Aasgaard and James Tavernier.

However, in Rangers’ last meeting with Aberdeen before yesterday, they also defeated the Dons two goals to nothing; these goals came from well-worked set-piece moments, and Scott Fry’s work on the training ground is really paying off.

A well-delivered corner from ex-Aberdeen star Connor Barron saw 6 ft 4 defender, Emmanuel Fernandez, rise to score his fifth of the season and give Rangers the lead.

Shortly after, another well-crossed ball from Barron saw Nico Raskin, who is one of the smaller Rangers players, make a darting run across the box to head home and give the hosts a 2-0 advantage.

The same applied for Rangers again yesterday, with their first goal coming from another well-worked play from a corner, which Jayden Meghoma delivered beautifully to see Norwegian international Thelo Aasgaard lurking in a dangerous position and slotting home confidently.

Unfortunately for the Gers, Fernandez thought he had doubled the scoring after heading home a long ball, but after a VAR check, referee David Dickinson disallowed the goal for a foul on Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov. During Rohl’s press conference after the first meeting with Aberdeen, he spoke about how much of a difference Scott Fry has made.

‘Scott is doing a fantastic job, and that is the reason why he is here. We made a good choice. It is not just about the topics and the content; he is also a good human and a good addition to my coaching team. I am very happy.’

‘You also see the players; we worked a lot on these things, and especially in these tight games, you need this. On the weekend, we scored three times after transition moments and good pressing moments. Today it was after set plays, and maybe next
time in ball possession’.

Fry joined the club from Lincoln City and played a vital role in their incredible 30 goals from set-plays, which was the most in the league. This has contrasted with this Rangers side, who haven’t been scoring as many goals from set-pieces compared to
recent years.

It has also been noted that there has been a variety of different takers from these plays; instead of always being the same output in James Tavernier, this includes Jayden Meghoma and Connor Barron before his injury.

Now in modern football, set-piece coaches are massive figures and can provide the small margins that can decide matches and league titles.

For example, Arsenal have made set-pieces a major weapon under Mikel Arteta, with them being one of the most dangerous in England. This can make a real difference in the race for a title.

However, at Rangers, it is clear to see there is more structure in their dead-ball situations with the squad regularly creating good quality chances, and with the height they have in the team now, are Rangers now a threat from set plays?