Was Martin the Sole Victor in One of the Worst Old Firm Derbies?

Rangers' recent performance in the Scottish Premiership has raised eyebrows, with the team failing to secure a league win in their last four matches. The lack of goals and attacking prowess was starkly highlighted during the recent Old Firm derby against Celtic, which ended in a goalless stalemate, marking the first scoreless encounter in eight years. Despite the dismal statistics, head coach Russell Martin has found some positives amidst a challenging start to the season.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from Rangers' Recent Struggles

• Rangers have not won any of their last four league matches.
• The team recorded zero shots on target in the Old Firm derby, a rare occurrence.
• Rangers' current league season start is the worst in 42 years.
• Despite struggles, a clean sheet against Celtic provides a foundation for improvement.
• Upcoming fixtures against Heart of Midlothian and Hibs are critical for recovery.

Rangers' Disastrous Start to the Season

Rangers find themselves in a perilous position this season with a record of just three wins from their first eleven matches. This dismal record includes a four-game winless streak in the Scottish Premiership, the worst start for the club since the 1983-84 season. Their performance in recent games has been characterised by a lack of attacking threat, as demonstrated by their abysmal expected goals (xG) rating of just 0.15 during the derby against Celtic. This statistic represents one of the lowest accumulations in the Premiership since the introduction of xG tracking in the 2019-20 season.

The Old Firm Derby: A Reflection of Struggles

The Old Firm derby is often a high-stakes affair, charged with rivalry and expectations. However, the recent clash between Rangers and Celtic fell significantly short of these expectations. Rangers failed to register a single shot on target throughout the entire match, a first for the team since January 2021. Celtic, too, struggled offensively, managing only two attempts on goal, with none in the first half – a first since November 2017. The lack of quality in both teams' attacking play contributed to a lacklustre spectacle that left fans disappointed.

Statistical Breakdown of the Derby

The statistics from the derby serve as a stark reminder of Rangers' current plight. With a combined xG of just 0.32 for both teams, the match epitomised a tactical stalemate rather than an entertaining contest. Here are some notable figures:

• Rangers: 0 shots on target
• Celtic: 2 shots on target
• Combined expected goals (xG): 0.32
• First half shots by Celtic: 0
• First half shots against Rangers by other teams this season: 2 (Motherwell), 3 (Dundee), 8 (St Mirren)

Understanding Expected Goals (xG)

Expected goals (xG) is a metric used to assess the quality of goal-scoring opportunities. It assigns a value to each shot based on various factors, including shot location and type. A lower xG indicates a lack of high-quality chances, which is reflected in the recent performance of both Rangers and Celtic. The significant dip in these metrics signals an urgent need for both teams to reassess their attacking strategies.

Rangers' Defensive Improvements

Despite the ongoing struggles, there were signs of a potential turnaround for Rangers. Head coach Russell Martin noted the defensive resilience showcased during the derby, which resulted in the team securing their first clean sheet in the Premiership this season. This clean sheet, while not enough for a win, could serve as a crucial building block for restoring confidence in the squad.

Quotes from Russell Martin

After the match, Martin expressed pride in his team's defensive effort, stating, "I was really proud with the response. Especially the guys who haven't played much recently." He acknowledged the importance of togetherness, spirit, and aggression, which were areas of concern leading up to the derby. Martin's focus on a more organised and disciplined approach may provide the team with a much-needed foundation for upcoming matches.

The Road Ahead: Upcoming Challenges

Looking ahead, Rangers face a challenging schedule with crucial fixtures against Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian before their Europa League opener against Genk. These matches represent a critical opportunity for Martin's side to turn their season around. A solid performance in these games could reinvigorate the squad and lift the mood among fans who are understandably frustrated by the team's current form.

Importance of Upcoming Matches

The next few weeks will be pivotal for Rangers. A win against Heart of Midlothian or Hibs could restore confidence and momentum, while another disappointing result might intensify scrutiny on Martin's management. The pressure is mounting, and the upcoming international break provides a brief respite, but the urgency for improvement remains. The team currently sits six points off the top of the table, which, while frustrating, still leaves room for recovery.

Conclusion: Can Rangers Bounce Back?

As Rangers navigate through this challenging phase, Russell Martin must instil a winning mentality within the squad. The clean sheet against Celtic, combined with a disciplined defensive display, offers a glimmer of hope. However, the lack of attacking threat remains a pressing concern that needs to be addressed urgently. Only time will tell if Rangers can turn their fortunes around and reclaim their status as title contenders in the Scottish Premiership.

What steps do you think Rangers should take to improve their attacking play? #RangersFC #ScottishPremiership #OldFirmDerby

FAQs

What is Rangers' current league position in the Scottish Premiership?

Rangers are currently experiencing a challenging start to the season, sitting six points off the top of the league and struggling for form.

How many matches has Rangers gone without a win?

Rangers have gone four matches without a win in the Scottish Premiership, marking their worst start since the 1983-84 season.

What does expected goals (xG) mean?

Expected goals (xG) is a statistical measure that evaluates the quality of scoring chances based on various criteria, such as shot location and type.

When was the last scoreless Old Firm derby?

The last scoreless Old Firm derby took place on 15 October 2023, marking the first goalless meeting in eight years.

What are Rangers' upcoming fixtures?

Rangers' upcoming fixtures include matches against Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian, followed by a Europa League opener against Genk.