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05 January 2025

Rangers Seek Consistency After Celtic Triumph

Following an impressive victory, Robin Propper emphasizes the need for Rangers to maintain high performance levels against Hibernian.

Rangers Football Club achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory over their bitter rivals Celtic on January 3, 2025, at Ibrox Stadium, narrowing Celtic's lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to just 11 points. The match, hailed by many as one of the best performances under the management of Philippe Clement, provides hope for Rangers' supporters following recent inconsistent displays.

The game's transformative impact was underscored by Dutch defender Robin Propper, who scored the second goal. His sentiments following the match encapsulated the overarching theme of the day and the impending matches: consistency. "The key is to be consistent," Propper stated. He acknowledged the significance of the win, especially considering the number of key players missing, including captain James Tavernier and goalkeeper Jack Butland.

The performance was all the more surprising for its deviation from the patterns established by Rangers' recent outings. Prior to the clash, Rangers had suffered disheartening results, including dropping points against St Mirren and Motherwell. This inconsistency had left them trailing significantly behind their rivals, with Celtic enjoying the momentum at 14 points clear before the clash. The victory against Celtic, then, was not merely about the three points; it was about restoring confidence and pride.

Reflecting on the match, Propper noted the collective determination to step up when faced with adversity. "Everybody wants to take it to another level, especially if you see key players away," he said. His perspective highlights the spirit within the squad to not only perform but to perform excellently when it matters most.

Along with contributions from Propper, other players stepped up, including Ianis Hagi, who opened the scoring early and Danilo, who capped off the victory with the final score. This cohesiveness on the pitch demonstrated the potential of the Rangers squad to adapt and thrive even under pressure.

Further analysis reveals how integral this victory was for Coach Clement, who had not previously secured victory over Celtic during his tenure. The pressure of keeping pace with Celtic, as well as remedying past performances, loomed heavily over the squad. Many observers questioned if tactical adjustments made by the coaching staff were detrimental to the team’s rhythm, particularly with key players sidelined.

The success against Celtic prompted many to reflect on the potential for building on this momentum. Matthew, a long-time Rangers supporter at Ibrox, expressed cautious optimism: "It's about time we showed what we can do consistently. One win against Celtic is great, but we have to keep it going. Others count, too!"

With the Hibernian clash just around the corner, the upcoming match will pose another test of consistency for Rangers. Hibernian is known for making life difficult for opponents, having recently turned around their form after struggling earlier this season. This immediately raises questions—can Rangers replicate their performance against Celtic, and if they do, can they maintain such intensity against slightly unexpected opponents?

Despite their prior hiccups on the road—scoring less than expected during away games—this victory might energize the Rangers squad as they head to Easter Road this weekend. One of the team's top goalscorers stated, "We can win games away if we play the way we did against Celtic. No doubt about it." It seems the squad is maintaining hope.

Critics of the sports science approaches ingrained within contemporary football tactics will suggest perhaps management might have erred on the side of caution too much. Many individuals believe the players themselves know their capabilities. Should they push through fatigue during weekends? Former Rangers players echoed similar sentiments, arguing about the essence of match-day performance above theoretical load management metrics.

For many, the reassuring win could set the tone for the remainder of the season. Propper, echoing others within the team hierarchy, maintained: "What we did against Celtic is how we should approach all games. That kind of energy and aggression must be our new normal.” The call for consistency reverberates strongly through the team dynamic.

Completing the fixture with confidence might just prove the catalyst for Rangers' title chase, even if the odds remain significant. Just revitalizing the faithful and stopping the bleeding from earlier performances could turn fortunes around dramatically. A mix of tactical discipline, camaraderie on the pitch, and the undying support of fans may catalyze much-needed results.

While the road back to challenging Celtic may still seem like climbing Everest, Rangers have shown glimpses of the strength within their ranks. Will the elements combine to see them stay clear of inconsistency against Hibernian? Rest assured fans are eager for the emphatic showings to continue—only the coming matches will tell.