Rangers' Title Ambitions at a Crossroads: Do They Need a New Striker?

Assessing Rangers' Title Bid

The draw against Hibernian on February 1 marked a pivotal moment in Rangers' bid for the Scottish Premiership title. Their inability to find the back of the net in this match has reignited questions about whether they have the firepower to compete against league leaders Hearts, who currently sit six points clear.

Under the management of Danny Rohl, the team's performances have shown signs of improvement, but after Sunday's stalemate, I can't help but wonder: Is a new striker essential for Rangers to reclaim the league trophy?

Andy Halliday Sounds the Alarm

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday didn't hold back after the 0-0 draw, saying, "From open play, Rangers lack so much creativity and the penalty-box striker to get the goals required to win the league." Those words resonate considering the statistics from their last outing—just two shots on target and an expected goals (xG) rating of only 0.53.

“In such a game you need this magic moment. In the end we did not deserve the three points.” – Danny Rohl

Struggling in the Final Third

Glancing at the stats reveals that Rangers' front three—Youssef Chermiti, Andreas Skov Olsen, and Djeidi Gassama—managed only six touches inside the opposing box. Comparatively, Hibs, whose xG was 1.88, created better chances throughout the match. Rohl himself admitted post-match that the team didn't deserve to win, reflecting a growing anxiety about their attack.

What Do the Numbers Say?

While Rohl deserves props for tightening the defense—Rangers have not conceded in their last four league matches, totaling ten clean sheets in 16 under his management—serious concerns regarding their offensive creativity remain. Despite sitting fifth for open-play goals during the season, they climbed to second for open-play xG since Rohl's arrival. That's promising but hardly guarantees success.

Is a New Striker the Answer?

Recent reports indicate that Rangers are exploring several attacking options, including Hansa Rostock's Ryan Naderi and Cameron Archer from Southampton. However, thoughts about who might integrate into this beleaguered front line are met with skepticism. Strikers Chermiti, Danilo, and Bojan Miovski have netted only three goals this season, massively underwhelming for a title-contending club.

Finding the Right Fit

One player who has been eyed as a potential game-changer is Skov Olsen, hailed as a statement signing. After scoring 49 goals and having 30 assists at Club Brugge, he's expected to deliver in a big way. But after being shrouded by injuries and inconsistency, Rohl remains cautiously optimistic. Although Skov Olsen failed to impress against Hibs, he is still expected to benefit from match fitness over time.

Conclusion: The Clock is Ticking

With the January transfer window closing soon, time is of the essence for the Ibrox side to bolster their attacking options. The challenges are evident—overcoming a six-point gap and convincing fans that they're capable of reclaiming the league title.

Rangers' fanbase deserves to see their team fighting tooth and nail for every point—I'm eager to see how they navigate these critical waters as they assess their squad's needs heading into the final stretch of the season.

Will the Next Striker be a Difference-Maker?

The need for a new striker isn't just about filling a vacancy on the field; it's about altering the dynamic of the attack. The right addition could indeed be the difference between contention and despair as we look ahead.