Rangers are on the rise, and this has sparked a crucial question: Should Hearts and Celtic be concerned about their growing momentum?
Following Rangers' narrow victory against Hibernian, former player and coach Billy Dodds remarked, "This is turning into a captivating title race, especially considering how many teams are in contention."
When Danny Rohl took over as head coach of Rangers on October 20, thoughts of a title challenge seemed far-fetched to fans. They were still reeling from the sight of their previous manager, Russell Martin, being escorted away in a getaway car after a disappointing 1-1 draw that left them languishing in eighth place in the Scottish Premiership, a staggering 11 points behind leaders Hearts, and only four points above struggling Aberdeen.
In the chaos between that disheartening match and Rohl's appointment, interim coach Steven Smith presided over a 2-2 draw with Dundee United, which further entrenched Rangers 13 points behind the top spot.
However, their latest victory on Monday marked the sixth since Rohl's arrival, propelling Rangers into third place, now just nine points behind Hearts, whom they will face on Sunday, and they also hold a game in hand.
Dodds commented on BBC Sportsound, "Rangers fully deserved this win; they’re finally building some momentum. It was a crucial three points, and their pragmatic approach really paid off. If you’re not playing at your best, it’s vital to secure the win, and that’s exactly what Rangers are achieving."
While it might not have been the most exhilarating display under the Ibrox lights, Rangers managed to get the job done effectively. And for now, that's all that matters to them.
For a significant portion of the first half, Rangers appeared to be outperformed by a Hibernian side that started energetically but hesitated when it came time to capitalize on their chances. David Gray’s squad built play effectively from the back and took advantage of the spaces that Rangers left open in midfield. However, they seemed to hit the brakes when faced with a Rangers defense that was there for the taking.
This frustration was evident for Gray as he aimed to guide Hibs to consecutive league victories at Govan for the first time since 2018—a goal that ultimately slipped away, allowing Rangers to seize the opportunity. When Emmanuel Fernandez connected with Dujon Sterling's magnificent cross, it represented a moment completely out of sync with the overall flow of the game.
Although this goal didn’t ignite an offensive fire within Rangers, it did give them something to defend, which they managed without much difficulty. Rohl reflected on the match, stating to BBC Scotland, "The football wasn’t always pretty, but we are discovering ways to win games. I want us to be more clinical. While I’m pleased with the points, there’s definitely room for improvement. It’s about taking one step at a time, and for me, winning is paramount."
This victory sets the stage for an exciting clash with Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday. Despite a dip in form, Derek McInnes’ league-leading team made a strong statement with a decisive win over Celtic, followed by a gritty performance against Falkirk in challenging conditions, reaffirming their title aspirations.
The last encounter between these two sides in September saw Hearts clinch victory at Ibrox—marking their first win there since 2014—which allowed them to pull three points clear at the top of the table, while Martin became the first Ibrox manager to fail to secure a win in his first five league games in 47 years.
Since that game, the atmosphere around Rangers has noticeably shifted due to the stability and practicality Rohl has instilled, particularly in the league where he remains unbeaten. He frequently emphasizes the need for the team to take "a step forward"—regardless of its size.
Should they emerge from Gorgie with points in hand, it would undoubtedly represent significant progress.
"We need to be courageous," Rohl noted. "When we push forward instead of playing it safe, I believe we have enough quality to challenge any opponent in the league. Let’s see how Sunday plays out. If we give our all and recognize the stakes, we can make it an excellent match. It’s all about securing those three points, taking the next step, and maintaining our trajectory."
Fans have mixed feelings about the team's performances thus far. Alex asserts, "Winning is the priority, and performances can follow. Achieving victories builds confidence; I’d prefer a poor display with a win than a brilliant game ending in defeat."
Alastair expresses uncertainty, saying, "I’m not sure how to feel about the style of play; it’s tough to watch, but winning is key. Having cheered for anti-football on the way to the UEFA Cup final, I guess I must learn to adapt to our new reality and support what’s happening at the club."
Gavin adds, "It was a scrappy game, but Danny Rohl’s Rangers keep pushing forward. Winning is what counts right now—no intricate strategies needed, just a clear head."
Derek comments, "Three points are great, but another sluggish performance raises questions. Where is the fast-paced, attacking football we crave? On a positive note, it was good to see Dujon Sterling back with a crucial clearance and an excellent assist for the goal. Onward and upward!"
William shares his thoughts, stating, "It wasn’t the most enjoyable game, but securing three points is all that matters at this stage. We must maintain momentum heading into a tough match at Tynecastle on Sunday."
