Ibrox View: Rangers defence proves pivotal again as statistics belie ‘Dominance’ talk
It is no secret that Rangers’ defence has laid the foundations for their success so far this season and this was reaffirmed in their Old Firm victory on Saturday.
The Gers started off slow on Saturday afternoon, with Celtic edging the first-half possession stakes and firing 11 shots compared to the three mustered by the hosts, before Callum McGregor’s own goal handed Rangers a 1-0 Ibrox win.
However, for all the talk of a so-called ‘dominant’ display from Celtic boss Neil Lennon, the statistics show that the Rangers defence once again restricted the opposition attack to minimal big chances.
According to adamski152, writer at Tactics Talks, the xG for Rangers and Celtic on Saturday was the same, and Celtic’s last shot on target came in the 21st minute. The graphic also shows the position of the Celtic shots, and they only managed one on target inside the box.
Predictably, Nir Bitton’s second-half red card meant the visitors struggled further in attack, posting only two shots (and none on target), but three shots on target hardly amount to a peppering of the Rangers goal and attempt to suggest otherwise undermine the terrific defensive structure instilled by Steven Gerrard and his staff.
Indeed, according to WhoScored, Allan McGregor only had three saves to make in the game. While he made some outstanding stops, three saves isn’t that many considering.
Rangers defence reigns supreme
Looking deeper into the statistics across the whole Scottish Premiership season so far really gives an insight into the impenetrable nature of the Rangers defence.
Per WyScout, their xGA (expected goals against) is 12.97. This shows they are actually exceeding their total, as they have only conceded five Premiership goals, most likely due to a combination of poor opposition finishing and Allan McGregor’s impressive displays.
But their record is still mightily impressive as they top the xGA charts, with their nearest challengers Aberdeen (19.19) and Celtic (19.46) way off the pace.
They also only allow 4.92 shots against them per 90 (Celtic sit at 6.58).
While Gerrard has tinkered with his line-up, particularly due to their European commitments, the back line that has served them so well this season has been largely made up of the same players.
In front of McGregor in the Rangers goal has been Barisic, James Tavernier and Connor Goldson, while joining Goldson at centre back has been a combination of Leon Balogun or Filip Helander.
With the aforementioned statistics, and sitting 19 points clear at the top, perhaps opposition managers need to give the Rangers defence more credit, and start plotting tactical changes to try and disrupt them.
In current form, Rangers looks set to smash all kinds of Premiership records, and they will owe a lot to the miserly back line that has repelled attacks for fun this season.
In other Rangers news, see our exclusive interview with Alex McLeish to see his views on the latest injury setback.