Rangers' Attacking Deficiencies Exposed in Easter Road Stalemate
Danny Rohl had been unequivocal in his assessment of where his Rangers squad required enhancement following last Thursday's Europa League defeat to Porto. Even after witnessing his defence unravel in Portugal, the manager insisted that bolstering the forward line was of paramount importance. Sunday's lacklustre performance in Edinburgh against Hibernian proved his point emphatically. This was a fortunate escape for the Ibrox side, who were outplayed by a Hibs team that should have celebrated their first top-flight victory over Rangers since 2006.
A Toothless Display Highlights Creative Void
Had David Gray's players capitalised on the opportunities they crafted, Rangers would have found no route back into the contest. The visitors barely threatened their hosts throughout the afternoon, and the blame cannot be placed solely on Youssef Chermiti this time. While the habitual scapegoat once again failed to convince as a lone striker, it is fair to question what he is expected to achieve with such meagre service from midfield and the flanks.
It would be premature to pass definitive judgment on Andreas Skov Olsen so early in his Rangers career. However, whether newly arrived or not, the team desperately requires more from the 40-times capped Danish winger. Against Hibs, much like in the previous outing versus Dundee, he offered negligible impact. Similarly, Djeidi Gassama on the opposite flank was anonymous. Thelo Aasgaard at least displayed intent, but his frequent poor decision-making in the final third proved costly.
Transfer Window Pressure Mounts for Rohl
With reports linking Southampton forward Cameron Archer with a move to Ibrox, questions arise about whether any new signing could thrive given the stark lack of creativity currently on show. Rohl has performed admirably since succeeding Russell Martin in October, steering Rangers into an unexpected Premiership title race by early February. Yet, it would be disingenuous to label their football as swashbuckling; even during an eight-game unbeaten run, performances have often been arduous to watch.
The team remains a considerable distance from Rohl's vision, yet the chaotic nature of this Premiership campaign means they are still firmly in contention, despite Hearts holding a six-point advantage at the summit. A couple of astute additions in the transfer market could prove transformative. Rohl has already demonstrated tactical flexibility and an ability to win in various manners, one of his most commendable traits. However, on afternoons like this at Easter Road, the absence of a genuine match-winner in attack may come back to haunt their ambitions.
Match Analysis: Missed Opportunities Galore
Rangers started brightly, with Aasgaard firing an early deflected effort wide. Hibs, however, grew into the game after a slow start, with Elie Youan becoming increasingly influential. The forward outmuscled John Souttar and forced Jack Butland into a smart save, before the Rangers goalkeeper later tipped a curling Youan effort over the bar. Martin Boyle should have given Hibs the lead before half-time, but his tame shot was straight at Butland.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Hibs creating the better chances. Substitute Mikey Moore thought he had snatched a winner for Rangers with 15 minutes remaining, only for his effort to be correctly ruled out for offside by the finest of margins. In the dying moments, Owen Elding scuffed a good opportunity for Hibs, summing up a day of frustration for the home side and relief for Rohl's men.
Hibernian (3-5-2): Sallinger 6; Bushiri 7, Hanley 6 (Cadden 70), Iredale 6; Megwa 7, Barlaser 7, Newell 6 (Molotnikov 66), Chaiwa 1 (Andrews 10), Obita 8; Youan 6 (Scarlett 71), Boyle 6 (Elding 66). Booked: Boyle, Newell, Iredale. Manager: David Gray 7.
Rangers (4-3-3): Butland 8; Sterling 5 (Aarons 86), Souttar 7, Fernandez 6, Meghoma 5; Raskin 5, Chukwuani 5 (Diomande 69), Aasgaard 5; Skov Olsen 5 (Bajrami 69), Chermiti 5, Gassama 5 (Moore 56). Booked: Sterling, Raskin. Manager: Danny Rohl 5.
Referee: Matthew MacDermid 6. Attendance: 18,227.
