Rangers' Struggles Continue: Ferguson's Frustration Mounts Amid Old Firm Stalemate

Rangers' ongoing struggles under Barry Ferguson's management continue as they fail to secure a home win in seven games, adding to Ferguson's mounting frustration.

After Sunday's 1-1 draw with Celtic, Rangers have now gone seven home games without a win, with five of these under the management of Barry Ferguson. This ongoing streak is undoubtedly a source of frustration for Ferguson, who has consistently demonstrated his passion and commitment to the club in every interview.

However, despite his dedication, the results have not been satisfactory. This has been a persistent issue since he took over from Philippe Clement. The situation could change if a takeover occurs and new owners decide to invest heavily in the club, making the managerial position more attractive to top-tier candidates.

Currently, the team's performance in European and Old Firm games has been commendable, but the same recurring issues throughout the season have cast a shadow over the current management team's effectiveness.

Highlights:

  • Rangers and Celtic share spoils: The latest Old Firm derby ended in a 1-1 draw, extending Rangers' winless streak at home.
  • Rangers condemn 'unacceptable' banner and throwing of bottle: The club has addressed recent fan behavior issues.
  • Idah's Celtic equaliser leaves Rangers without home win in seven: Celtic's late equalizer further compounded Rangers' struggles.

Celtic, on the other hand, continues to dominate the league, sitting seventeen points clear at the top with 103 goals scored. This dominance is a testament to their consistent performance over the past decade, despite the competition not being as tight as expected.

Brendan Rodgers has acknowledged occasional dips in performance but remains focused on the upcoming cup final and the possibility of securing another treble. This should serve as motivation for the players to stay switched on.

Tactical Insights:

In the last derby of the season, Rangers had the upper hand in the first half, while Celtic dominated after the break. The final 15 minutes felt like a dead rubber, with both teams seemingly content to let the game conclude without further incident.

Rangers employed a midfield diamond with two strikers positioned slightly wider, effectively neutralizing Celtic's ball manipulation and chance creation. The full-backs were particularly aggressive, making early contact with Celtic's wide players and forcing them into less advantageous areas.

At halftime, Rodgers made minor adjustments to Celtic's buildup play, introducing more movement behind the defense rather than relying solely on receiving the ball to feet. Reo Hatate's deeper positioning created marking difficulties for Rangers, showcasing Celtic's tactical flexibility.

Former Rangers striker Steven Naismith shared these insights with Andrew Petrie for BBC Sport Scotland, highlighting the tactical nuances of the match.

What to Read Next

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey Nears Celtic Loan: A Rising Star's Next Chapter
Football

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey Nears Celtic Loan: A Rising Star's Next Chapter

Manchester City's young defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is on the verge of a loan move to Celtic, marking a significant step in his promising career.

Derek McInnes' Tactical Mastery Shines in Hearts' Premier Sports Cup Victory
Football

Derek McInnes' Tactical Mastery Shines in Hearts' Premier Sports Cup Victory

Explore how Derek McInnes led Hearts to a commanding 4-1 win in the Premier Sports Cup, showcasing tactical brilliance and team synergy.

Celtic's Strategic Moves: Ambrosino and Beyond in the Transfer Market
Football

Celtic's Strategic Moves: Ambrosino and Beyond in the Transfer Market

Explore Celtic's latest transfer strategies, including potential deals for Giuseppe Ambrosino and other key players, as they strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

Can £10m Investment Propel Hearts to Challenge Celtic and Rangers?
Football

Can £10m Investment Propel Hearts to Challenge Celtic and Rangers?

Cillian Sheridan questions the impact of Tony Bloom's £9.86m investment in Hearts, doubting its potential to challenge Celtic and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

Hibs' Midfield Woes Deepen as Triantis' Wage Hike Dashes Return Hopes
Football

Hibs' Midfield Woes Deepen as Triantis' Wage Hike Dashes Return Hopes

Hibernian's pursuit of Nectarios Triantis faces a setback due to his wage increase post Sunderland's promotion, impacting their transfer strategy.

Russell Martin Praises Sir Alex Ferguson's 'Incredible' Support at Rangers
Football

Russell Martin Praises Sir Alex Ferguson's 'Incredible' Support at Rangers

Rangers head coach Russell Martin shares his gratitude for the overwhelming support from legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Why Lennon Miller is the Most Coveted Young Talent in Scottish Football
Football

Why Lennon Miller is the Most Coveted Young Talent in Scottish Football

Discover why Lennon Miller, the 18-year-old Motherwell midfielder, is attracting widespread interest from top clubs across Europe.

Rangers vs Panathinaikos: A Crucial Champions League Qualifier Showdown
Football

Rangers vs Panathinaikos: A Crucial Champions League Qualifier Showdown

Rangers face a tough Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.

Steven Pressley Demands Resilience from Dundee After Consecutive Cup Defeats
Football

Steven Pressley Demands Resilience from Dundee After Consecutive Cup Defeats

Steven Pressley urges Dundee to show resilience and character after two consecutive cup losses, aiming for improvement in upcoming matches.

Rangers vs Panathinaikos: A Clash of Titans in Champions League Qualifiers
Football

Rangers vs Panathinaikos: A Clash of Titans in Champions League Qualifiers

BBC Scotland to broadcast Rangers' crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos, promising an intense football showdown.

Steven Pressley Faces Uphill Battle as Dundee's New Manager
Football

Steven Pressley Faces Uphill Battle as Dundee's New Manager

Steven Pressley discusses the challenges ahead as he takes on the managerial role at Dundee FC, aiming to turn around the team's fortunes after a tough start.

Kieran Tierney's Emotional Comeback: A Triumphant Return to Celtic Park
Football

Kieran Tierney's Emotional Comeback: A Triumphant Return to Celtic Park

Kieran Tierney's heartfelt return to Celtic Park after six years with Arsenal, marked by a stellar performance and a warm welcome from fans.

Brendan Rodgers Optimistic About Celtic's Transfer Strategy for the 2025 Season
Football

Brendan Rodgers Optimistic About Celtic's Transfer Strategy for the 2025 Season

Brendan Rodgers discusses Celtic's transfer plans, emphasizing the importance of refreshing the squad for a competitive 2025 season.

Nicolas Kuhn Joins Como: A Strategic Move in Serie A Football
Football

Nicolas Kuhn Joins Como: A Strategic Move in Serie A Football

Nicolas Kuhn transitions from Celtic to Como, marking a significant shift in his football career with a focus on Serie A ambitions.

Rangers Secure Gassama Transfer as Propper Nears Exit: A Summer of Strategic Moves
Football

Rangers Secure Gassama Transfer as Propper Nears Exit: A Summer of Strategic Moves

Rangers finalize the transfer of Djeidi Gassama from Sheffield Wednesday while Robin Propper considers an exit, shaping a dynamic summer for the club.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.