Jeff Stelling has expressed concerns about Rangers’ prospects this season following their 0-0 draw against Hearts on Saturday, 3 August.
Philippe Clement’s team was held to a stalemate at Tynecastle in their opening match of the Scottish Premiership season, a game rife with talking points. Notably, Hearts had a potential penalty claim dismissed by referee Willie Collum, a decision that many, including Stelling, found contentious.
“Hearts got a little tired towards the end but I thought they were the better side. They could, maybe should have, had a penalty,” Stelling remarked during his live segment on talkSPORT (5 August, 6:57 am). Reflecting on Rangers’ performance, he added, “I looked at Rangers and thought, ‘My goodness, this is going to be a tough season’.”
Although it’s only the first game of the campaign, a draw against a league rival like Hearts is far from the ideal start for Rangers.
Many observers believe Clement is already under significant pressure at Ibrox. His initial tenure brought optimism, particularly after securing the League Cup, but that enthusiasm waned as Celtic outperformed them in the league and clinched the Scottish Cup.
The early-season draw has only intensified scrutiny on Clement, with fans and analysts alike questioning whether Rangers can mount a serious challenge for the title this year.