Rangers can’t keep giving ourselves that kind of first half, because it was a tough watch. Slow to second balls, a bit loose in our distances, and nowhere near aggressive enough when the game was there to be grabbed. But the big positive is this: we actually reacted. The second half looked like a team that had been tweaked, reminded of the standards, and sent back out to put things right.

Danny Rohl got the correction right

You could see Danny Rohl had clocked something that wasn’t working. Whatever the original idea was, it didn’t land, and that happens. What matters is whether you stubbornly stick with it or you adjust, and the second half felt like an adjustment that finally suited the players we had on the pitch.

We looked sharper without the ball, quicker to engage, and a lot more purposeful in transitions. It wasn’t perfect football, but it was proper Rangers in terms of intent. The press, in particular, had more bite. The kind of energy that makes the opposition feel rushed, even when they’ve got time.

Raskin and Dio look made for each other

For me, the standout theme was the midfield partnership. You can see it clear as day: Raskin looks at his best when he’s alongside Dio. There’s a balance there, a wee bit of understanding. When one goes, the other covers. When one wants it short, the other is already checking his shoulder and showing for the next pass.

Raskin’s second-half contribution was exactly what you want from a Rangers midfielder. Leading the press, snapping into tackles, throwing himself into blocks, and still having the composure to produce an assist. That’s the full package in this league. It’s not just about looking tidy; it’s about winning the right moments.

That’s why I’m calling it now: Dio and Raskin should be non-negotiables in the middle. Build the rest around that energy and that edge.

Chermiti’s confidence is growing, and others deserve credit

Delighted for Chermiti as well. Worked his socks off, and you could see the confidence building with those touches and flicks. That’s the bit that tends to come first for a striker: the game starts sticking to you, you stop forcing it, and you play with a bit more freedom. Long may that continue.

One gripe though: whoever decided Barron was the man for set pieces needs a rethink. Set plays are free opportunities in this league, and we’ve got to treat them like it, not just “someone will swing it in”.

And fair play to the keeper too. Much maligned at times, but that’s another top performance, the kind that settles nerves and keeps you in it when the game’s scrappy.

Fernandez also looks like he’s got a bit of swagger about him. You can see the makings of a Rangers player there. Hopefully he turns into a proper good signing, because that confidence can be infectious when it’s backed up with graft.

All in, a frustrating start, but a second half that leaves you buzzing.

Written by R1: 4 January 2026

Tags: match-review transfers tactics