It was a long time coming this season with it being a case of when not if before the results stretched their lead to an insurmountable 20 points in the league.
While Celtic ace Ryan Christie felt the gap is not a fair reflection of the season, Rangers have been by far the best and most dominant side in the Premiership. Their long, unbeaten run, their goal difference, the number of goals scored and conceded, the way have swatted sides aside, points to their place at the top of the league and their first top-flight title in ten years.
But what can the advanced stats tell us about Steven Gerrard’s men? We have looked at Wyscout and WhoScored.com to find out more about this Rangers season.
Passes – 19,326
No team has made more passes. The figure is way above the league average of 12,023 and nearly 1,000 more than Celtic.
Ball possession – 62.9 per cent
Rangers have been so adept at controlling games and keeping the ball away from opponents. The 62.9 per cent share of possession they average is the league’s highest while they also possess the highest accuracy with more than 85 per cent.
Touches in opposition penalty area – 913
If there is a stat which really hammers home how dangerous and attacking Rangers have been, it’s this one. More than 100 more than Celtic with Ryan Kent having the most with 123.
Premiership’s 5 best
WhoScored.com produce weekly player ratings for the league and the top five highest rated players are all from Rangers. James Tavernier (7.76), Joe Aribo (7.44), Ryan Kent 7.41, Conor Goldson (7.40) and Borna Barisic (7.36)
Shots against – 168
Rangers’ defensive record has been incredible. They have conceded just nine goals in 32 games. They have given up 168 shots, nearly 70 fewer than Celtic and only face five per 90 minutes.
Attack focus
It will be of no surprise that Rangers focus a large percentage of their attacks down the right-hand side. According to WhoScored.com, 40 per cent of their attacks come down that side. Only Aberdeen (42 per cent down their left) and Livingston (41 per cent down their right) have a higher focus.
Crosses – 25 per game
Rangers like to cross the ball. No other team does it as much the league champions, averaging 25 per game. In terms of individuals, Borna Barisic and James Tavernier are way out in front with 192 and 173 respectively.
Dribbles
Ryan Kent is one of the most exciting players in the league. Not only has he had the most touches in the opposition box but he leads the way with 231 dribbles and one v one situations. The other player to get over 200 so far in the league.
Goals and assists
James Tavernier must surely be the favourite for league player of the year. No player can better his total of 20 goals and assists. He's a right-back.
Minutes played
Only three players in the Scottish Premiership have played every minute of their team’s season so far. Aberdeen’s Joe Lewis, Hibs' Paul McGinn and Rangers ace Connor Goldson. The centre-back has played 2,931 minutes of league football.
1. Passes – 19,326
No team has made more passes. The figure is way above the league average of 12,023 and nearly 1,000 more than Celtic. Ryan Jack is the most frequent passer (94.69 per 90) Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
2. Ball possession – 62.9 per cent
Rangers have been so adept at controlling games and keeping the ball away from opponents. The 62.9 per cent share of possession they average is the league’s highest while they also possess the highest accuracy with more than 85 per cent. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
3. Touches in opposition penalty area – 913
If there is a stat which really hammers home how dangerous and attacking Rangers have been, it’s this one. More than 100 more than Celtic with Ryan Kent having the most with 123. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
4. Premiership’s 5 best
WhoScored.com produce weekly player ratings for the league and the top five highest rated players are all from Rangers. James Tavernier (7.76), Joe Aribo (7.44), Ryan Kent 7.41, Conor Goldson (7.40) and Borna Barisic (7.36) Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group