Cyriel Dessers' hot streak continues as Rangers pip St Mirren

Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers extended his remarkable goal-scoring streak, finding the back of the net once more for Rangers FC in their hard-fought 2-1 triumph over St. Mirren at the Paisley 2021 Stadium on Sunday.

The Ibrox side went into the game without a league win in three matches.

Rangers took the lead at the 32nd minute after St. Mirren's James Bolto scored an own goal. The hosts quickly drew level four minutes later through Mikael Mandron to end the first half.

The game remained balanced until 29-year-old Dessers scored the winner for the visitors in the 74th minute.

He shrugged off a defender and rose high in the box to bullet home a header from James Tavernier's delicious cross and they were able to see the game out from there.

The hosts huffed and puffed for another equaliser but ultimately could not find one as Rangers held on for three much-needed points. this move them level with leaders Celtic but, with inferior goal difference, leaving them second ahead of Celtic's visit to Dundee later this weekend. St. Mirren, meanwhile, remain fifth on the Scottish Premiership table.

Cyriel Dessers' goal on Sunday was his third in two games and twentieth for the Gers, as he scored a brace the previous weekend when Rangers beat Hearts 2-0 to book their place in the Scottish Cup final.

Cyriel Dessers' numbers for Rangers this season

In the Scottish Premiership, Dessers has featured in 31 matches, starting 23 of them, and has tallied 14 goals along with three assists.

In the UEFA Europa League, he has made seven appearances for the Gers, starting in five, and has scored once while also registering one assist.

Meanwhile, in the Scottish League Cup, the Super Eagles forward has made four appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

For a player in his debut season, Dessers’ numbers have been great, but his wastefulness and poor decision-making in front of goal often sharply divide opinion among Rangers fans.  

Can Dessers lead to Rangers to glory?

Having joined Rangers from the Italian outfit Cremonese, Dessers has been the subject of criticism from many Rangers fans, especially this season, despite his impressive statistics.

Despite the disbelief in the Nigerian's abilities, teammate Todd Cantwell thinks otherwise. The Scottish midfielder and former Norwich player expressed his optimism that the current impressive form of Dessers, along with their partnership, can contribute to Rangers' success as they near the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.

“From one of his first training sessions, I think we realised we would be on the same page. Hopefully, we can get a bit of a run together now until the end of the season and get some goals and assists,” Cantwell said per Rangers Review.

Rangers coach lauds Cyriel Dessers' transformation

The Rangers forward has been a subject of scrutiny among fans, but his recent displays have earned him widespread praise.

Addressing Cyriel Dessers' impact on the team, the Philippe Clement remarked, “He changed the situation himself in a really good way. If I hear what fans are singing now or six months ago, they’re different songs!”