Rangers Rescue Point Against St Mirren

St Mirren Vs Rangers

St Mirren and Rangers played out a 1-1 draw, with Findlay Curtis scoring a late penalty to rescue a point for Rangers.

Rangers is experiencing its worst league start in 36 years, with the team drawing 1-1 with St. Mirren on Sunday, marking their third consecutive draw. This poor performance has put new manager Russell Martin under intense scrutiny, particularly given his impressive credentials.

Rangers are six points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership standings after just three games, following a 1-1 draw against St Mirren. Teenager Findlay Curtis's late penalty rescued a point for Rangers, but manager Russell Martin's tactics have raised eyebrows, particularly his decision to start without a recognized striker. This approach has left many questioning whether the team has the firepower to challenge Celtic's dominance.

The lineup saw Nicolas Raskin, Mohammed Diomande, and Connor Barron in midfield, while Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny supported Cyriel Dessers in attack. With Hamza Igamane on the bench, Martin's strategy seems to be under scrutiny. The absence of a natural striker has sparked debate about the team's ability to create scoring opportunities.

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-1 Rangers pic.twitter.com/zJodcnRbox

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 24, 2025

Rangers face a tough test against Celtic, who are looking strong in the title race. Celtic's lineup is expected to feature a strong team, with players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Luis Palma, and Matt O'Riley leading the charge. The match promises to be an intense and closely contested affair, with both teams eager to come out on top.

St Mirren was on track for a notable victory against Rangers, thanks to Jonah Ayunga's impressive goal in the 33rd minute. Ayunga skillfully beat Rangers' goalkeeper Jack Butland, giving St Mirren a well-deserved lead. However, Rangers' manager Russell Martin made significant tactical changes and substitutions in the second half, which ultimately paid off.

In the 78th minute, 18-year-old substitute Findlay Curtis came off the bench and drilled in the equalizer, scoring his third goal of the season. This crucial moment shifted the momentum of the game and secured a 1-1 draw for Rangers. Curtis's goal showcased his talent and potential, leaving a lasting impact on the match.

Rangers face a daunting task in their Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge, trailing 3-1 ahead of Wednesday's second leg in Belgium. To make matters more complicated, manager Russell Martin disclosed that forward Hamza Igamane refused to come on as a substitute in the second half of their recent match. This incident has sparked speculation about Igamane's future at Ibrox, with rumors linking him to a potential transfer before the window closes.

Martin expressed his concerns about the uncertainty surrounding some players, stating, “The issue is that the window is still open and there are people with one eye out and one eye in. There are too many people uncertain, and we have to make sure we have people that want to be here.” This uncertainty could impact the team's performance, particularly with crucial matches approaching.

Igamane's potential departure has been a topic of discussion, with Lille reportedly interested in signing him for £15 million. Rangers are said to be preparing for his potential exit by exploring alternatives, such as Croatian striker Matija Frigan, who has impressed with 19 goals in 72 appearances for Westerlo. Frigan's potential arrival would be a strategic move to bolster Rangers' attacking options.

Managerial Concerns

Russell Martin, appointed in June, has managed to win only three of his opening nine games in all competitions. This record is the worst of any permanent appointment in Rangers' history, raising concerns about his tactics and team management. The team's inability to secure wins has left them six points behind league leaders Celtic.

🎙️ Russell Martin spoke to RangersTV after today’s match against St Mirren. pic.twitter.com/ReHzhWq0FZ

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 24, 2025

Key Challenges Ahead

Rangers face significant challenges in the coming weeks, including a crucial match against Celtic and a Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge. The team will need to regroup and find a winning formula to get their season back on track. To compound matters, Martin revealed that forward Hamza Igamane refused to come on as a substitute in the second half, sparking speculation about the player's future at the club.