Danny Rohl maintains his unbeaten run as Rangers manager in the Scottish Premiership.
Following Rangers’ hard-fought victory over Hibernian, former striker and coach Billy Dodds remarked: “The number of teams involved is making this a truly captivating title race.”
When Danny Rohl was appointed Rangers head coach on October 20, a title challenge was far from the minds of most supporters.
The club was still reeling from the departure of Russell Martin, who left after a 1-1 draw at Falkirk that placed Rangers eighth in the Scottish Premiership, 11 points behind leaders Hearts and just four points above bottom-placed Aberdeen.
In the interim period before Rohl’s arrival, Steven Smith oversaw a 2-2 draw with Dundee United, leaving Rangers 13 points adrift of the league’s summit.
Monday’s win, their sixth since Rohl took charge, has lifted the Ibrox side to third place, nine points behind Hearts – whom they face on Sunday – with a game in hand.
“Rangers earned the victory; they’re building momentum,” Dodds noted on BBC Sportsound.
“These are crucial three points, achieved through a pragmatic approach.
“Even when playing below their best, they’re securing wins. That’s what Rangers are currently doing.”
Rangers climb to third after narrow win over Hibs
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Sportsound: Reaction to Rangers’ move into third
The victory at Ibrox was not spectacular, but it got the job done.
Rangers will gladly accept the result for now.
For much of the first half, they were second-best to a Hibs side that started strongly but hesitated in the final third.
David Gray’s team built patiently from the back, exploiting the space in midfield, but lacked the final pass to test the Rangers defence.
This hesitance frustrated Gray, who was aiming to guide Hibs to consecutive league wins in Govan for the first time since 2018, but it allowed Rangers to capitalize.
Emmanuel Fernandez’s flick from Dujon Sterling’s cross was against the run of play.
While it didn’t ignite a spark in Rangers, it provided them with a lead to protect, which they did with relative ease.
“It wasn’t always pretty, but we’re finding ways to win,” Rohl told BBC Scotland after his side secured their fifth clean sheet.
“I want us to be more clinical. I’m pleased with the points, but we need to improve. It’s a step-by-step process, and winning games is key.
“The win was deserved. We didn’t play spectacularly, but clean sheets and clinical moments win games.”
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Are Rangers back in contention for the title?
The win sets up a crucial match against Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday.
Derek McInnes’ league leaders had faltered slightly, but a statement victory over Celtic, followed by a hard-fought win against Falkirk, reaffirmed their title credentials.
In their previous encounter in September, Hearts’ victory at Ibrox – their first since 2014 – moved them three points clear at the top of the table, and Martin became the first Rangers manager in 47 years to fail to win any of his first five league games.
The atmosphere around Rangers has shifted since then, thanks to Rohl’s stability and pragmatism, at least in the league, where he remains unbeaten.
He consistently emphasizes the need to take “a step forward,” regardless of its size.
Leaving Tynecastle with points would be a significant leap.
“We must be brave,” Rohl added. “When we play forward, we have the quality to trouble any team in the league.
“We’ll see [how Sunday’s game goes].
“We’ll make it a good game, give our all, and everyone knows what’s at stake.
“It’s about three points, the next step, and continuing in this manner.”
Alex: Winning is the priority. Performance comes second. Wins breed confidence. I’d rather win playing poorly than lose while playing well.
Alastair: I’m conflicted; it’s tough to watch, but they keep winning. Having supported defensive football to the UEFA Cup final, I need to accept our new reality and support what’s happening at Ibrox.
Gavin: A scrappy game, but Danny Rohl’s Rangers keep winning. He’s winning, and that’s what counts. No need for complex strategies, just a calm approach.
Derek: Three points, but another slow, uninspired performance. Where’s the fast-flowing attacking football? On a positive note, great to see Dujon Sterling back, with a vital clearance and a quality cross for the goal. Onwards and upwards.
William: Not pretty, but three points are all that matter right now. We need to maintain momentum heading into a tough match at Tynecastle on Sunday.
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