Sport
What Halliday and Templeton discovered this season about Rangers
Andy Halliday and David Templeton have been blown away by a new stat emerging from Ibrox this season that Rangers have only had four players score more than five goals this season.
While Philippe Clement’s side only sit three points behind reigning champions Celtic, the Gers have struggled in front of goal, with Cyriel Dessers, Abdallah Sima, Danilo and James Tavernier being the only players to find the net more than five times.
With more than 20 games under their belt in all competitions, Halliday was stunned to learn just how poor Clement’s team has been in front of goal and voiced his concerns now that Sima and Danilo are both on the treatment table.
Speaking on the Open Goal YouTube channel (5 February, 31:30) he said: “I saw a stat yesterday that I think is mad. We’re in February, Rangers have got four players in their full squad that have scored five goals or more. Four. Two of them are injured in Sima and Danilo.
“The only other two are Dessers and Tavernier. Five goals in February that’s not a lot is it.”
Templeton agreed saying: “That’s mental that.”
‘Mental’ update could cost Rangers the title
So much of the talk surrounding the January transfer window at Ibrox was over whether or not Rangers would move to sign a new centre-forward before the deadline. Ultimately, Clement opted to see out the remainder of the season with the players already at his disposal.
A deal was there to be struck with Hearts for Lawrence Shankland, but the Gers decided against it and focused their resources elsewhere. While a new striker would have been a boost, it is clear other players in other positions need to up their game.
Players that join the attack from midfield, such as Todd Cantwell, Rabbi Matondo, and Ross McCausland, need to start scoring goals more frequently. This is especially important in large games, as they are frequently criticized for not making an effect on the game.
Rangers won’t defeat Celtic to win the title if only four players score five goals or more in a season. It might come back to haunt the Gers if they can’t get their act together for the rest of the season.
