Thursday, September 19, 2024

Numbers behind Rangers’ start to season

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Four games in, five points behind Celtic.

After an opening-day draw with Hearts and an Old Firm defeat before the international break – sandwiched by the failure to reach the Champions League proper – it’s been a tough start to the season for Philippe Clement’s side.

It’ll be no surprise Rangers are the bridesmaid, not the bride, in most of the early-season stats charts.

From possession (63% average), to touches in the opposition box (129), to shots (58), the attacking intent is there from Rangers, but just not enough to top their rivals.

Having scored eight goals – six of them against Ross County – Rangers are slightly underperforming their xG of 8.66. Indeed, six other clubs have a better chance conversion rate than the Ibrox side’s 13.8%.

Cyriel Dessers is joint top in the scoring column with three goals, though, and with an expected goals (xG) of 3.08, he’s doing his job.

Arguably the biggest change of all from last season is up the other end.

Jack Butland has had a shaky start, having conceded four goals already, averaging one a game.

The shot-stopper’s save percentage is a mediocre 63.64 and Rangers’ xG against is 3.77, suggesting the defence isn’t giving Butland much protection.

The England international dug Rangers out of many a hole last season, and with an uphill battle already on the cards, eyes will be on him to stand strong again.

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