(Credit: imago)

Jack Heath

Sun 3 August 2025 14:01, UK

Danilo struggled to spearhead the Rangers attack in their 1-1 stalemate against Motherwell but his side gave him zero service.

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The Gers did not produce a title-challenging performance against Motherwell on the 2 August as they were held to a frustrating draw.

Despite dominating the ball with 62% of the possession, Russell Martin’s side could not find a way to overcome the plucky Well.

A 14th minute equaliser from James Tavernier was brutally cancelled out by Emmanuel Longelo, but on the balance of play it was thoroughly deserved.

Of particular note was the inclusion from the get-go of Brazilian Danilo who couldn’t get on the score-sheet, reflective of his disappointing career in Glasgow, netting just 10 goals across two seasons.

His role was rendered useless given the Light Blues’ uninspiring creativity.

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According to Fotmob, the 26-year-old was wasted up top, only producing an xG of 0.07 after his long-range curling effort clipped the top of the bar.

The former Feyenoord forward had just three attempts but failed to find the target, as he looked to create something out of nothing.

Alarmingly, despite all their possession, the Gers created a measly 0.7 xG compared to Motherwell’s 2.21, creating a meagre one big chance.

Taking away their primary weapon of set-pieces in the match, Martin’s team produced a woeful 0.28 xG from open play.

Rangers attacking statistics against MotherwellPossession62%Expected goals xG0.70Expected goals from open play xG0.28Big chances created1Shots (on target)15 (5)Corners12Underwhelming Rangers (Source: Fotmob)

Promised free-flowing, dominant, attacking football, the ex-Southampton boss has already fallen at the weyside.

There is no point controlling the ball if you are not decisive and effective when progressing forward, starving Danilo in the process of chances.

The midfield trio of Nicolas Raskin, Joe Rothwell and Mohammed Diomande only amassed four key passes between them.

This is simply not good enough for the mechanism designed to link defence and attack as their Brazilian striker managed just 21 touches in the game with four in the box.

The former Swansea manager must go back to the training ground to improve their attacking prospects (Credit: Imago)

In a league the former Saints manager should dominate with his brand of football, his debut domestic display will concern Rangers fans who will be looking over their shoulder at how Celtic respond.

Midweek will offer a chance for redemption for the Gers as they take on Viktoria Plzen in the next round of Champions League qualification.

Yet, the passing must be crisper, more dynamic and pinpoint if Martin wants any hope of competing in Europe and challenging the Glasgow rivals for the title.

The arrival of Mikey Moore from Tottenham comes at a vital time as he looks to inject some much-needed imagination to the front line.

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