Rangers salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw against St Mirren, but the pressure continues to mount on manager Russell Martin as his search for a first league win goes on. Findlay Curtis's late equalizer spared Rangers' blushes after Jonah Ayunga had given St Mirren the lead. The result leaves Martin with three wins in his first nine games as Rangers head coach and extends their winless run in the league to three matches.
The game started with Rangers on the front foot, Oliver Antman forcing a save from St Mirren goalkeeper Shamal George early on. However, St Mirren grew into the game and created several chances, with Mikael Mandron and Killian Phillips going close. Their pressure paid off in the 32nd minute when Ayunga broke away from John Souttar and finished past Jack Butland to give the hosts the lead.
Rangers struggled to break down a resolute St Mirren defense in the first half, with Thelo Aasgaard and Djeidi Gassama failing to find a way through. Martin made changes in the second half, and Rangers showed more urgency, but they still lacked a cutting edge. St Mirren continued to defend stoutly, frustrating the visitors.
Just when it looked like Rangers were heading for another defeat, substitute Curtis stepped up to score a crucial equalizer in the 78th minute. The teenager's low drive from the edge of the box took a deflection on its way past George, sparking scenes of relief among the Rangers supporters. Despite Curtis's goal, Rangers couldn't find a winner and were forced to settle for a draw.
The result piles more pressure on Russell Martin, who is already facing questions about his team selections, tactics, and player acquisitions. The decision to start midfielder Aasgaard as a centre-forward raised eyebrows before the game, especially with Danilo and Hamza Igamane on the bench and Cyriel Dessers still injured. Rangers have struggled defensively, conceding eight goals in their last four matches. The team's lack of physicality and proneness to defensive errors have also been a cause for concern.
Martin's start to his Rangers career has been far from ideal, with draws against Motherwell, Dundee, and St Mirren. This is the first time since 1989 that Rangers have failed to win their first three league games. With a crucial Champions League second leg against Club Brugge and an Old Firm derby against Celtic on the horizon, Martin is under pressure to turn things around quickly.
The Rangers manager admitted that his team "were lucky to get a point" against Motherwell, before slamming the attitude and mentality of his players after the game. He has also spoken about the need for "pain" and "process" to bring about change at the club. However, some fans are already losing patience and questioning whether Martin is the right man for the job.
Rangers face a tough task to qualify for the Champions League after losing 3-1 to Club Brugge in the first leg of their playoff tie. They must overturn the deficit in Belgium to secure a place in the group stage and the financial rewards that come with it. The Old Firm derby against Celtic is also a crucial game for Martin, as a defeat would leave Rangers nine points behind their rivals in the league.
Russell Martin needs to find a way to win while developing the team and create some positive "energy and momentum". However, he knows that things need to improve quickly, both in terms of performances and results, if he is to last until May.
