Rangers delivered an electrifying performance in their 1-1 Europa League draw against Tottenham Hotspur at a packed Ibrox Stadium, with Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane once again proving his worth.
Despite taking the lead through Igamane’s clinical finish, Philippe Clement’s side had to settle for a point after Dejan Kulusevski’s late equalizer. This pulsating encounter highlights the growing resilience of Rangers under Clement’s leadership.
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Hamza Igamane has been in sensational form, and his latest goal against Tottenham makes it five in five games for the 22-year-old. After a challenging start to life in Glasgow, the Moroccan has turned things around, earning praise from his manager for his hunger and determination.
“He’s making major steps forward,” Clement told TNT Sports. “Physically and tactically, it was a long wait a few months ago, but he’s shown hunger and desire to grow. Nobody is undroppable unless they perform like this every time.”
Igamane’s progress is a testament to the work being done behind the scenes at Rangers, where Clement is nurturing a squad full of potential. His sharpness in front of goal and relentless work ethic have made him a key player as the team builds momentum in the Europa League and domestically.
A Missed Opportunity for Rangers
While Rangers will take pride in their performance, there is a sense of disappointment that they couldn’t secure a famous victory against a Premier League giant. Clement highlighted the growing mentality within his squad, noting that the players were unsatisfied with just a point.
“That’s what it’s about to be at Rangers,” Clement said. “I want that mentality in my squad. We need to keep this hunger and desire to be better. There is so much potential, but it’s about getting experiences like tonight.”
The team’s ability to match Tottenham’s intensity and physicality for much of the game reflects their improving form. Clement’s focus on developing a winning mindset appears to be paying off as Rangers now go nine games unbeaten, including four consecutive wins before this Europa League clash.
Kulusevski Spoils the Party
After taking the lead early in the second half, Rangers looked poised for a statement win. However, Dejan Kulusevski’s late equalizer ensured Spurs walked away with a share of the spoils. Managed by former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s equalizer added extra drama to an already intense affair.
Despite this setback, Clement sees the match as a valuable learning experience for his players. “We need to decide things faster, be more aggressive, and react quicker,” he noted. “But overall, I’m happy with how the team performed. It’s about keeping this hunger and desire alive.”
Setback for Souttar Ahead of Cup Final
One sour note for Rangers was the injury to centre-back John Souttar, who was forced off in the first half. With the highly anticipated Scottish League Cup final against Celtic just days away, Souttar’s availability remains uncertain.
“I don’t know [how he is] at the moment,” Clement said. “It’s never a good thing when a player needs to step off in the first half. We’ll have to assess his situation.”
Souttar’s absence could be a significant blow for Rangers, as his defensive solidity will be crucial in the high-stakes showdown against their Old Firm rivals.
Despite the draw, Rangers head into Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final against Celtic with renewed confidence. Clement’s men have found their rhythm after a mixed start to the season, and the atmosphere at Ibrox reflects the growing synergy between the team and its supporters.
“The synergy is back with the fans,” Clement said. “They see the work the team is doing, the way we want to play, and how we impose ourselves. It’s going to be a massive final on Sunday, and we’re ready for the challenge.”
The Old Firm clash promises to be a fiery encounter, with both sides eager to claim silverware and assert dominance in Scotland. For Rangers, maintaining their unbeaten run and capitalizing on the form of players like Igamane will be key to overcoming their rivals.
A Bright Future Under Clement
Rangers’ performance against Tottenham is a clear sign of progress under Philippe Clement. The Belgian manager’s focus on fostering a strong mentality and developing young talents like Igamane is starting to bear fruit. With nine games unbeaten and a Cup final on the horizon, the future looks promising for the Ibrox faithful.
As Clement continues to mold this team, the draw against Spurs could be seen as a stepping stone towards greater success. The hunger and desire he demands from his players are evident, and if they can maintain this intensity, Rangers might just reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
