Rangers remain winless after five league matches, sitting 10th in the Scottish Premiership table. They lost at home to Hearts for the first time since 2014. Russell Martin became the first Rangers manager in 47 years to start a league campaign without victory in his opening five games. Neil McCann branded the team “ragged,” while James Tavernier admitted players felt “ashamed” and “embarrassed.” Fans booed throughout, highlighting their frustration. Martin acknowledged growing “anxiety” among his squad.
Risky Style Leaves Gaps and Costs Goals
Martin insists on bold, high-risk football built on sharp passing and ball possession. But players hesitate to take responsibility, exposing defensive frailties. Against Hearts, Tavernier’s misplaced pass led to Lawrence Shankland’s opener. Rangers’ inverted full-backs and high line left open space for opponents like Claudio Braga to exploit on the counter. John Souttar often received passes with no safe outlets. Martin admitted his system would cause “pain before gain,” yet most of the starting lineup were his own signings. He stressed that many players still struggle to adapt to Rangers’ demanding environment.
Goal Drought Highlights Attacking Failures
Rangers have scored only three league goals, none from open play. Tavernier’s penalties and Findlay Curtis’s corner finish account for the tally. Their record equals Dundee’s and surpasses only Aberdeen, who have failed to score in four matches. Since selling Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, Rangers signed Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti, but neither has delivered yet. Recent games showed alarming bluntness: no shots on target against Celtic, and poor finishing against Hearts. Supporters argue Nicolas Raskin could provide the spark, yet he remains excluded despite returning from Belgium duty with a goal. Martin claims the issue is “resolved,” but Raskin still sits in the stands while fans demand answers.
