In the world of domestic football, when the Rangers suffer a loss, the narrative tends to follow a familiar pattern – their opponents seize crucial moments, receive a fair share of luck, and take advantage of the Ibrox team’s struggles in front of goal. However, a recent match in Dingwall painted a different picture. Ross County emerged victorious with a hard-earned 3-2 win, significantly shifting the title race in favor of Celtic. While Rangers initially took the lead through a Jack Baldwin own goal, they failed to capitalize on this advantage. Despite a warning from coach Clement at halftime about the game being far from over, Ross County managed to turn things around within five minutes of the second half, going from a goal down to a goal up.
Although the xG statistics favored Rangers in terms of chances created, Ross County’s total xG in this game was the highest conceded by Rangers in six seasons. Prior to this match, Rangers had only conceded an average of 0.6 xG away from home under Clement’s management. Even with statistical advantages, Rangers were unable to convert their opportunities into goals.
The pivotal moment of the game occurred in the second half when Ross County capitalized on their chances, while Rangers struggled to do so. The home side’s clinical finishing and the outstanding goalkeeping performance from Ross Laidlaw played a significant role in their victory. Despite flashes of promise from Rangers, the solid defensive strategy and effective attacking play from Ross County ultimately secured the win.
Clement voiced his frustration post-match, highlighting his team’s lack of urgency and failure to convert clear chances throughout the game. Despite a late surge from Rangers, Ross County’s resilient defensive approach limited their opportunities in the final stages. The tactical prowess and sharp finishing of Ross County proved to be crucial factors in securing a vital victory that has major implications for the title race.
