Rangers fans trudged out of Ibrox yesterday in disbelief as their side fell to a second consecutive home defeat, this time against a well-organised and determined St Mirren side. A disjointed, lifeless performance from Philippe Clement’s team raised serious concerns, with the players looking lost and unable to cope with the physical challenge posed by the visitors.
Rangers Lost and Without Answers
From the first whistle, Rangers struggled to impose themselves on the game. St Mirren were well set up, difficult to break down, and purposeful in their attacks. In stark contrast, Rangers looked devoid of ideas, poorly structured, and utterly ineffective going forward. The players seemed to lack direction, while the manager, caught on camera repeatedly shrugging his shoulders, appeared clueless as to how to turn things around.
Had the club not been in the midst of a takeover process, there’s little doubt Clement would already be out the door. As things stand, it’s almost certain he won’t be in the job once the process concludes.
Nsiala’s Tough Lessons in a Poor Team Performance
Clinton Nsiala will face some criticism for his involvement in both St Mirren goals, but to pin the defeat on the young centre-back alone would be unfair. The first goal saw him collide with Mandron just outside the box, tripping himself in the process and allowing the St Mirren forward a free shot at goal, which he dispatched clinically. The second came in the 70th minute when Nsiala was caught under the ball, and a clever nudge from Olusanya allowed the forward to turn him and fire home.
While Nsiala will need to learn from these moments, it’s worth remembering that this was only his eighth professional appearance. Outside of these incidents, his passing and decision-making were solid. The bigger issue was the overall team performance, which was woeful across the board.
From Hero to Zero – Butland’s Struggles
Jack Butland, the standout performer against Hearts last week, endured a nightmare performance against St Mirren. In the first half, he gifted the opposition a golden chance by passing the ball straight to a forward, though he spared himself embarrassment with a fine double save. However, his distribution remained poor throughout the match, exposing a well-known weakness in his game.
As Rangers’ struggles mounted, they resorted more and more to hopeful long balls, playing directly into St Mirren’s hands. With the visitors boasting a clear physical and aerial advantage, it was a futile and frustrating approach.
Igamane Wasted Out of Position
Perhaps one of the most baffling tactical decisions was the continued misuse of Hamza Igamane. Playing him in the No. 10 role or out on the left wing is a waste of his talents. He is by far Rangers’ best striker, yet he has been forced into unnatural positions while Dessers, a far less clinical option, remains as the central striker. If Danilo is fit, he should be starting alongside Igamane every week. The partnership between the two would be far more effective than the current setup.
A Disjointed Midfield and Lack of Composure
One of the biggest issues throughout the match was the gaping chasm between defence and midfield. Time and again, Rangers failed to link up play effectively, leaving Raskin and Diomande isolated and ineffective. The lack of fluidity in transition was painfully evident, forcing the team into desperate long-ball tactics.
The most frustrating aspect of the performance? Rangers once again bottled the opportunity to capitalise on a Celtic slip-up. With the takeover news and Edinburgh results generating excitement pre-match, there was always a lingering fear that the team would crumble under the pressure. That fear was fully realised as Rangers delivered yet another nervy, directionless performance when it mattered most.
Philippe Clement’s Frustration
Speaking after the match, Philippe Clement did little to reassure the fans:
It’s terribly disappointing because we were so nervous today on the ball and in the duels. I don’t know where it’s coming from. That’s my frustration. It’s my responsibility also to put a team with the right mindset on the pitch. I didn’t see this coming, this nervousness. We were below par almost all game. By far not what Rangers should be today.
Rangers Manager, Philippe Clement
These words will do little to ease the growing unrest among the Ibrox faithful. If Clement didn’t see the nervousness coming, then what exactly is he watching in training? If he cannot instil the right mindset in his players, then what is his role as manager?
Where Do Rangers Go From Here?
With the takeover process ongoing and uncertainty hanging over the club, Rangers are at a crossroads. This run of form is unsustainable, and if results don’t improve quickly, the fanbase’s patience will run out. The reality is that the title race is gone, and unless drastic changes are made—both tactically and in terms of leadership—this could be yet long end to the season.
What’s clear is that Rangers need a manager who can impose a clear identity, instil belief, and find a way to get the best out of the squad. Right now, that’s not happening, and unless it does soon, Clement will not survive much longer in the Ibrox dugout.