Rangers played out a competitive 0-0 draw against West Ham United at Ibrox on Sunday evening in their final pre-season tune-up before the Scottish Premiership campaign kicks off against Dundee United on Friday, 31 July.
While Derek McInnes’ side demonstrated superb composure and tactical discipline to repeatedly play through West Ham’s press, the performance left much to be desired in the final third.
The defensive unit was undoubtedly the highlight for the hosts, with Dujon Sterling and Ben Godfrey putting in particularly commanding displays.
Here are three subtle key takeaways from the clash at Ibrox.
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Sterling stakes claim for Rangers captaincy
McInnes experimented with his fifth different captaincy candidate of the summer, entrusting the armband to Sterling on this occasion.
The versatile defender follows Dan Neil, Ross McCrorie, Lawrence Shankland and Godfrey in getting the nod during the pre-season schedule.
Sterling certainly rose to the occasion. He put in a remarkably solid shift at right-back throughout the opening 45 minutes before seamlessly transitioning into a right-sided centre-back role following a tactical shift to a three-man defence in the second half.
It was an authoritative, leader-like display – firmly staking his claim to lead the team out as official captain come Friday night at Tannadice.
Jim Gillespie watches on as Rangers creativity is exposed
Thelo Aasgaard was once again the standout performer in the Rangers attack.
Building on McInnes’ public vote of confidence following the win against AS Saint-Etienne, the playmaker caused non-stop headaches for the West Ham backline and came close to breaking the deadlock with a brilliant free-kick effort.
However, concern struck when Aasgaard was forced off after picking up what appeared to be a shoulder injury.
Once he departed the pitch, Rangers‘ creative engine completely stalled, leaving Shankland and Youssef Chermiti starving for quality service.
Fortunately for McInnes, chief executive Jim Gillespie and board member Fraser Thornton were watching on from the directors’ box.
They received a firsthand view of exactly where the squad require urgent surgery before the window closes.
- An explosive, productive wide player capable of unlocking low blocks.
- A genuine orchestrator at the base of midfield, with targets like Jens Hjerto-Dahl or Milan Vitalis continuing to dominate transfer discussions.
It is worth noting that Aasgaard was later seen walking comfortably on the pitch after the final whistle, thus easing any immediate injury fears.
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McInnes visibly upset with Djeidi Gassama
During the first half, McInnes was visibly bemused by the decision-making of winger Djeidi Gassama, as well as midfielder Mohamed Diomande.
The Rangers manager was seen throwing his arms out in frustration at Gassama on at least a couple of occasions after promising attacks broke down.
McInnes even pulled the Mauritania winger to the touchline for an animated, direct talking-to midway through the half to demand better execution.
This touchline frustration comes at an intriguing moment. Just before kick-off, Chris Jack revealed that while Gassama remains keen to stay at Ibrox, his future is very much “one to keep an eye on” amid interest from elsewhere.
The defensive structure and tactical adaptability look ready for the Premiership opener on Friday, but the void in attacking invention when Aasgaard is not on the pitch is impossible to ignore.
Gillespie and Thornton have their transfer directives clear as deadline day approaches fast.
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