Rangers retain off-ball tempo and record season-best xG-against tally in win over St Mirren - data match report

Connor Ronan had put his side ahead within five minutes. That coincided with the host's explosive start where, despite a lack of chances, they dominated exchanges.

But a tactical tweak before the 20-minute mark changed the game.

From there on, Steven Gerrard’s men conceded a singular shot on goal.

A review of the game underlines that Rangers are rediscovering their best form without the ball – which is, in turn, providing the platform for what they do with it.

The Rangers Review brings you a unique review of the match using our data provider StatsBomb.

Trendline

Naturally, due to events at Ibrox a week ago – the closing stages felt nervier than they ought to. However, the trendline shows they never even threatened a point once behind.

St Mirren’s dominance early on was largely territorial and they rarely if ever threatened Jon McLaughlin.

From a chances-created viewpoint, this game is won by St Mirren once out of a hundred.

READ MORE: How Rangers’ double-pivot 'dismarking' allowed champions to turn the tide against St Mirren - tactical analysis  

Shots and goals

The main theme to draw here is the locations from which Jim Goodwin’s side pulled the trigger.

The concession of the Ronan chance was abysmal. The midfield allowing the ball to bounce, James Tavernier scuffing his pass and John Lundstram failing to get close to the goalscorer. 

The quality of the strike was top. As StatsBomb shows, it had an xG rating of 0.01 – McLaughlin was likely anticipating a ball into Eammon Brophy and as such was slightly out of optimal position.

That aside, three efforts with an xG of 0.03 or lower were taken.

The visiting side did enough at the other end – particularly given the slim pickings they offered at the back.

The second goal came courtesy of a tactical switch. The move to 4-2-2-2 allowed Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi to cause havoc at the end of the first half.

It was the cause of Tavernier breaking free and crossing for the subsequently unmarked Alfredo Morelos.

That aside, the two best chances fell to Tavernier and Fashion Sakala inside the area.

Pressure maps

As detailed in midweek – Gerrard’s team looked far more ‘like themselves without the ball at home to Brondby. While that was a season-high total of pressures, yesterday’s number of 182 is only beaten domestically by the Old Firm showing.

Once more Aribo was far in front with 31 pressures and 8 counterpressures – shadowed closely by Hagi.

The pair’s on-ball impact will be remembered but their effort without it was equally significant. 

Team shape and pass map

The shape of the team is near-symmetrical and outlines the variation increasingly being developed at Ibrox.

READ MORE: Why Rangers using three number 10s allowed them to 'find their level' for 45 minutes against Hearts

Hagi and Aribo’s half-space berth’s made them so difficult to mark and allowed the room for either full-back to overlap.

Their starting height often behind the home midfield gave further issues.

Player focus

Aribo was once again excellent and Tavernier influential after an early mistake. Assisting the eventual winner. The pair topped the xGChain.

But it was Hagi who seized the initiative and changed the game. He accelerated his team and would win the penalty to level.

The Romanian's off-ball work is always intense. The below map accredits all his duels, ball recoveries, pressures and defensive actions.

Conclusion

The eventual outcome of the game seemed unattainable with St Mirren on top early on. But Rangers managed the scenario well and recovered in-game - offering another showing that suits the narrative they are only improving.